Which research approach focuses on gathering word-based data rather than numerical data?

The research approach that focuses on gathering word-based data rather than numerical data is qualitative research. This method is primarily concerned with understanding human experiences, thoughts, feelings, and social contexts. Qualitative research employs techniques such as interviews, focus groups, and open-ended surveys to collect rich, descriptive information that provides depth and insight into a subject.

By using this approach, researchers can explore complex issues and uncover patterns of behavior and themes that quantitative methods may not fully capture. Unlike quantitative research, which relies heavily on numbers and statistical analysis to draw conclusions, qualitative research emphasizes the interpretation of narrative data, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the research topic. This makes it particularly valuable in fields such as social sciences, psychology, and education, where human behavior and subjective experiences are central to the inquiry.