Final answer:
Dr. Coleman is using a case study approach to gather in-depth qualitative data on the development of emerging adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Coleman is conducting a research study to understand the development of emerging adults, and is using a method where she studies one young woman in great detail by making frequent observations and conducting several interviews. The qualitative research method being employed by Dr. Coleman is known as a case study. This approach allows her to gather in-depth information on the subject's behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, providing rich qualitative data. Case studies are particularly useful in understanding unique or exceptional cases but can be limited in generalizability to larger populations. Dr. Coleman's approach, involving frequent observations, interviews, and an in-depth description of one individual, aligns with the characteristics of a case study. A case study involves an in-depth analysis of a single person, group, event, or situation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject of study. This method is particularly useful when researchers want to explore complex phenomena in real-life contexts and gain insights into individual experiences.