Final answer:
A researcher focusing on individual experience of poverty would look at indicators such as food insecurity, as it is a direct measure of one's lack of basic necessities, rather than income alone, which is one of many factors indicating poverty.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a researcher were to take an individual-level perspective to understand poverty, they would look at whether or not an individual experiences food insecurity. This focus aligns with the concept of absolute poverty, where individuals lack basic necessities such as food, clean water, safe housing, and access to healthcare. By concentrating on food insecurity, the researcher assesses a critical aspect of poverty that determines the ability of individuals to sustain themselves and overcome the challenges associated with not having enough resources to meet basic living standards. Income, while a relevant factor, is just one dimension of poverty, but it is often closely linked with an individual's ability to secure food and other necessities.
Poverty has a multi-dimensional nature, with subjective poverty also playing a role, as it is based on an individual's perceptions and expectations. Relative to their society's standard of living, some individuals may perceive themselves as poor even if they have access to necessities, leading to a sense of deprivation when they cannot keep up with their community's average living standards. When evaluating an individual's experience of poverty, a researcher would consider these varying perceptions and the societal context to understand the full impact of poverty on one's life.