Final answer:
In-depth, qualitative data in research is considered evidence based and provides detailed insights rather than generalizable statistics. Unlike quantitative data, qualitative data offer rich narratives and understanding of thematic structures within specific contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of qualitative research, in-depth, qualitative data do not generally allow for broad generalizations in the same way that quantitative data do; instead, they provide detailed insights into specific cases or phenomena. Such data are referred to as evidence based, taken from the contextual understanding gathered through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and content analysis. Unlike quantitative data, qualitative data are not used to make statistical predictions or generalizations but to explore thematic structures and gain deep understanding of the subjects being studied. The value of qualitative data lies in the richness and depth of the information that can be used to form a narrative description rather than quantifiable measures.
It's also worth noting that a measurement in the topic of study is considered valid if it actually measures what it intends to measure, while reliable implies that it would yield the same results under consistent conditions. Qualitative data are typically categorized and described by words or letters, which can make it more challenging to analyze them quantitatively. Thus, qualitative data might reveal why individuals engage in certain behaviors or how they experience a phenomenon, which contributes to our understanding of human behavior within specific contexts.