Final answer:
Qualitative research aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of social phenomena, focusing on rich, contextual data rather than on numerical analysis or hypothesis testing. It employs methods like interviews and focus groups to gather subjective evidence. Option C is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering which statements about qualitative research are true, it's essential to understand the distinctions between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Qualitative research is characterized by its focus on in-depth understanding of human behavior and social phenomena, rather than on numerical analysis.
Qualitative research involves methods like in-depth interviews, focus groups, and analysis of content sources to gather subjective evidence. This type of research strives to comprehend the context and complexities behind social interactions, providing rich insights that numeric data alone cannot offer. It values the depth over breadth, aiming to produce a holistic understanding of the study's subject matter.
In contrast, quantitative research focuses on the collection and statistical analysis of numerical data, which allows for the testing of hypotheses and prediction of outcomes based on objective measurements. Qualitative research, however, does not center on hypothesis testing but rather explores ideas and experiences in depth without requiring numerical data. It is generally not considered as objective as quantitative research because it involves the researcher's interpretation of the data collected.
Given the characteristics of qualitative research, the correct answer to the student's question about which statements are true is: C. In-depth understanding.