What is a primary characteristic of qualitative research in sociology?

A primary characteristic of qualitative research in sociology is that it focuses on understanding people's experiences, feelings, and perspectives rather than just collecting numbers or statistics. This type of research often involves methods like interviews, observations, and open-ended surveys, allowing researchers to gather detailed information about social behaviors and cultural contexts. For example, if a sociologist is studying how people cope with stress, they might conduct in-depth interviews to hear personal stories, which can reveal deeper insights than just asking people to rate their stress on a scale. By emphasizing the meanings behind social interactions, qualitative research helps us understand the "why" and "how" of human behavior. This richness of data allows sociologists to explore complex social issues in a more nuanced way.