Qualitative methods are:

Qualitative methods are:

• A. Extrapolating evidence for a theory from what people say or write, in contrast to quantitative methods.
• B. Relying exclusively on numerical data.
• C. Using controlled experiments to infer causality.
• D. Focusing only on numerical summaries.

Answer: (A)

Qualitative methods focus on understanding meaning, experience, and social context by analyzing non-numeric data such as what people say in interviews, write in texts, or how they behave in natural settings. The essence is to interpret language and actions to develop insights and theories about how people experience phenomena, rather than to measure variables with numbers. That’s why the statement describing qualitative methods as extrapolating evidence for a theory from what people say or write best captures what qualitative research does: it builds understanding from people's own words and interpretations. The other descriptions point to characteristics of quantitative research—relying on numerical data, using controlled experiments to infer causality, or focusing on numerical summaries—which are not the hallmark of qualitative approaches.

Qualitative methods focus on understanding meaning, experience, and social context by analyzing non-numeric data such as what people say in interviews, write in texts, or how they behave in natural settings. The essence is to interpret language and actions to develop insights and theories about how people experience phenomena, rather than to measure variables with numbers. That’s why the statement describing qualitative methods as extrapolating evidence for a theory from what people say or write best captures what qualitative research does: it builds understanding from people's own words and interpretations.

The other descriptions point to characteristics of quantitative research—relying on numerical data, using controlled experiments to infer causality, or focusing on numerical summaries—which are not the hallmark of qualitative approaches.