What type of research seeks to understand reasons, opinions, and motivations?

Qualitative research is specifically designed to delve into understanding the underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations of individuals. This type of research focuses on exploring the complexities of human behavior and experiences through methods like interviews, focus groups, and open-ended surveys. By gathering rich, detailed narratives, qualitative research allows researchers to uncover deeper insights that quantitative approaches may overlook.

In contrast to qualitative research, the other types mentioned do not primarily focus on exploring subjective experiences. Meta-analysis synthesizes findings from previous research studies to identify trends and overarching conclusions, but it does not seek to understand personal motivations. Experimental research involves manipulating variables to determine causality, often in a controlled environment, and typically focuses on objective measurements rather than subjective experiences. Longitudinal research tracks the same subjects over time to observe changes and developments, which can contribute to understanding relationships but doesn’t center on exploring motivations or opinions in depth.

Thus, when the goal is to comprehend why individuals think or feel a certain way, qualitative research is the most appropriate approach.