In which type of research do findings tend to be more subjective?

Qualitative research is characterized by its focus on understanding the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of individuals. It often involves methods such as interviews, focus groups, and open-ended surveys, allowing participants to express their views in their own words. This approach is inherently subjective because it seeks to capture the nuances of human behavior and the motivations behind those behaviors rather than relying on numerical data.

The subjective nature of qualitative research stems from the fact that it prioritizes depth of insight over statistical analysis. Researchers interpret the data based on personal perspectives, which can introduce various interpretations depending on the context. The findings are typically rich in detail and complexity, reflecting the variety of human experience, rather than being reducible to quantitative measures.

By contrast, other types of research, such as quantitative, experimental, and analytical, are generally more objective. Quantitative research focuses on measurable variables and statistical analysis, while experimental research relies on controlled conditions to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Analytical research involves examining data and drawing conclusions based on objective criteria. These methodologies emphasize objectivity and replicate findings across different contexts. Thus, qualitative research stands out as the type that yields more subjective findings, as it embraces and interprets human experiences rather than solely relying on numbers and statistics.