Which of the following is a common data collection method in qualitative research?

In qualitative research, the aim is to gather in-depth insights, experiences, and understanding of participants' perspectives, which is best achieved through methods that facilitate rich, descriptive data. In-depth interviews are a primary method in qualitative research because they allow researchers to explore complex topics and gather detailed narratives from individuals. This method involves open-ended questions, enabling respondents to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words, thus providing a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Focus groups, while also a qualitative method, involve group dynamics and discussions that can yield valuable insights but may not allow for the same depth of individual responses as in-depth interviews. Surveys typically employ structured questionnaires and are more aligned with quantitative research, aiming to gather statistical data rather than exploring individual experiences deeply. Statistical analysis is fundamentally a quantitative method focused on numerical data manipulation and inference, which is not appropriate for qualitative research.

Therefore, in-depth interviews stand out as a quintessential data collection method in qualitative research, characterized by their richness and depth of data collection.