What type of data does qualitative research primarily focus on?

Qualitative research primarily focuses on textual and narrative data gathered from interviews, observations, and other forms of open-ended inquiry. This type of research emphasizes understanding human experiences, behaviors, and perspectives in rich, descriptive terms rather than through quantifiable measures.

The methodological approach of qualitative research involves collecting data that can offer insights into the context and meaning behind participants' thoughts and actions. This often includes direct quotes from interviews, detailed field notes from observations, and other narrative forms that allow researchers to explore the complexities of social phenomena.

Other forms of data mentioned in the other options, such as numerical data or large datasets, typically align with quantitative research methods, which aim to analyze statistical relationships and patterns through measurable data. Qualitative research, in contrast, is not focused on numbers or statistical analysis; instead, it values the depth and context that come from analyzing texts and narratives.