Which method is least likely to be employed in qualitative research?

Surveys with closed-ended questions are least likely to be employed in qualitative research because they primarily yield quantitative data that is pre-defined and structured. Qualitative research is aimed at understanding the deeper meaning and context behind behaviors, experiences, and social phenomena, which often requires open-ended responses that offer rich, detailed insights. Methods such as focus groups, interviews, and participant observation are designed to facilitate this type of exploratory engagement and allow for flexibility in responses, enabling researchers to capture a broader and more nuanced understanding of the subjects studied. In contrast, closed-ended surveys limit respondents to specific options and do not provide the opportunity for elaboration or discovery that qualitative methods seek to obtain.