Qualitative Methods aim to collect information that is:

Qualitative methods in social research prioritize understanding the complexities of human experiences and social phenomena. By focusing on subjective and personal perspectives, these methods seek to capture the richness of individual narratives and the meanings that people ascribe to their experiences. This approach often involves in-depth interviews, participant observations, and open-ended surveys, allowing researchers to explore the nuances of behaviors, beliefs, and social interactions.

This emphasis on qualitative data distinguishes it from quantitative methods, which are more focused on numerical analysis and statistical interpretation. Understanding qualitative data allows researchers to identify patterns, themes, and contexts that might be obscured by strictly numerical evaluations. Therefore, the subjective nature of qualitative methods enriches social research by providing insights that help explain the 'why' and 'how' behind social phenomena, rather than just the 'what' or the statistical occurrence of events.