Which research uses interviews, observations, and textual analysis to understand meanings, experiences, and processes?

• A. Mixed Methods
• B. Quantitative Research
• C. Qualitative Research
• D. Survey Design

Answer: (C)

This item tests qualitative research methods, which seek to understand meanings, experiences, and processes by gathering rich, non-numeric data. Interviews let participants describe their own thoughts and feelings in their own words, providing deep insight into how they interpret events and situations. Observations capture real-world behavior and context, showing how people act and interact in natural settings. Textual analysis examines documents, media, or other written material to uncover how language and content convey meanings, norms, and social dynamics. Together, these methods aim to interpret and describe phenomena from the perspectives of those involved, focusing on depth and context rather than numerical measurement.

Quantitative research, by contrast, emphasizes numeric data and statistical analysis to measure variables and test hypotheses, while survey design centers on constructing instruments for collecting such data. Mixed methods combine qualitative and quantitative approaches, but the described trio of techniques aligns most directly with a qualitative approach.