Final answer:
Anna is conducting qualitative research, primarily using participant observation and in-depth interviews to gather subjective data on tattoo culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the information provided, the type of research Anna is conducting best fits the description of qualitative research. In her interactions within the tattoo parlor, Anna is likely engaging in techniques such as participant observation and in-depth interviews, which allow her to gather subjective data on the behaviors, rituals, symbolism, and interrelationships of people involved in tattoo culture. Such methods are integral to understanding the symbolic and cultural aspects of the community she is studying, which aligns with the approaches used in fields such as cultural anthropology and social sciences.
Given that Anna is talking to tattoo artists and customers and is likely to be looking for insights into their experiences, motivations, and the meanings they attach to tattoos, her research is focused on gathering rich, descriptive data that can be coded and categorized to identify common themes. This approach is less concerned with numerical data or statistical analysis, which are characteristic of quantitative research, and is more focused on the researcher's subjective insights and understandings. Therefore, Anna's research is qualitative in nature.