What is an example of a qualitative data collection method?

Interviews are a prime example of a qualitative data collection method because they allow for in-depth exploration of participants' thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Unlike quantitative methods that focus on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative methods prioritize understanding context, motivations, and subjective insights. In interviews, researchers can engage with participants, ask open-ended questions, and adapt their inquiries based on the flow of conversation, which yields rich, descriptive information that captures the complexity of human experiences.

Surveys, while they can include open-ended questions, are primarily designed for quantitative data collection when they utilize closed-ended questions, as they often generate statistical results. Field experiments usually focus on testing hypotheses under controlled conditions and gathering quantitative data as well. Statistical analysis is a method used to interpret and analyze quantitative data rather than collect qualitative information. Therefore, interviews stand out as a distinct qualitative method, enabling a deeper understanding of participants' perspectives.