Final answer:
Qualitative research, designed for discovery, is used to describe and interpret human experiences. It involves subjective, interpretive methods like case studies and observations, aiming to provide in-depth understanding rather than quantifiable data. It is a cornerstone of qualitative sociology, which focuses on the nuances of human interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Designed for discovery rather than verification and used to describe life/human experiences and give them meaning is: a) Qualitative research. Qualitative research is primarily exploratory research where methodologies like case studies, in-depth interviews, and participant observation are utilized to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research.
Qualitative research involves subjective evidence that is difficult to control and replicate. For instance, observations within a classroom, business, or hospital must contend with a myriad of unique variables at any given time. This type of research is interpretive, often descriptive or narrative, and allows the researcher to adjust methods as the study unfolds to better suit the evolving findings.
In the context of sociology, qualitative sociology uses such qualitative methods to seek a deeper understanding of human behavior. This contrasts with quantitative sociology that relies more on statistical methods to identify patterns. Within qualitative research, the data are typically comprised of rich texts or images, with information that is seen in a natural setting being subjective and often based on what is seen. This forms a complex but nuanced picture of the topic at hand, providing a meaningful context to societal and human behavior.