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Qualitative Research Qualitative research is the in-depth investigation of phenomena involving the collection of rich narrative materials using a flexible research design. The goal is to interpret, understand, and contextualize the views of a particular group rather than generalize across a whole population. Qualitative researchers come from a range of perspectives and different theoretical positions, but typically draw on an interpretative orientation in contrast to the traditional, realist approaches to knowledge that characterize quantitative research. A variety of data collection and analytical methods can be used. Qualitative research includes the flexibility to adjust the focus and conduct of the study in response to local conditions and unexpected findings. Documenting the richness of human experience is central to qualitative approaches. The researcher seeks to explore, describe, interpret, and explain personal and social experiences and how people make sense of the world. In simple terms, it seeks answers to questions about the ...