Which of the following best describes qualitative research?

Qualitative research is best described as research focused on understanding human behavior in depth. It aims to explore the complexities of human experiences, beliefs, emotions, and social phenomena. This approach often utilizes methods such as interviews, focus groups, and observations to gather rich, detailed insights that quantitative data cannot fully capture. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the meanings individuals or groups assign to their experiences, which can inform theories, practices, and policies.

In contrast, other options describe research approaches that lean towards quantitative methods, emphasizing numbers and statistical analysis rather than the nuanced understanding that qualitative research provides. The focus on hypothesis testing and empirical data without context does not align with the exploratory and interpretative nature of qualitative inquiry, making option B the most accurate representation of qualitative research.