Qualitative research methods primarily focus on gathering _____ data to understand the complexities of human behavior and social interactions.

Qualitative research methods primarily focus on gathering non-numerical data to understand the complexities of human behavior and social interactions. This type of research looks at people's thoughts, feelings, and experiences rather than just measuring things with numbers. For example, a researcher might conduct interviews with people to explore their feelings about a new school policy. By analyzing the words and stories shared during these interviews, the researcher can gain a deeper understanding of how the policy affects students' lives. This approach helps researchers capture the richness of human experiences that numbers alone cannot explain.