What type of research focuses on gathering non-numerical data to understand meanings or experiences?

Qualitative research methods are specifically designed to gather non-numerical data, which allows researchers to explore and understand the meanings, experiences, and social phenomena from the perspectives of individuals. This type of research emphasizes the depth of understanding over the breadth of data; it seeks to uncover the underlying motivations, beliefs, and feelings that participants have about a particular topic.

Qualitative methods often involve techniques such as interviews, focus groups, and observations, enabling researchers to capture the complexity of human experiences. This approach is particularly useful in psychology, where researchers may need to delve into personal narratives or subjective experiences to gain insight into behaviors and emotions. By focusing on the richness of context and the subjective nature of human experience, qualitative research provides valuable insights that quantitative approaches might overlook.