What is a primary goal of qualitative research in social work?

The primary goal of qualitative research in social work is to understand participants' experiences and perspectives. This approach is fundamentally humanistic and interpretative, focusing on the meanings that individuals attribute to their experiences. Qualitative methods seek to gain detailed insights into the social phenomena being studied, which can include individual behaviors, social processes, and the context in which these occur. By using techniques such as interviews, focus groups, or observations, qualitative researchers aim to capture the richness of participants' lived experiences, providing depth and context to the data collected.

This understanding is crucial for social work practice, as it enables practitioners to tailor interventions that are sensitive to the specific needs and contexts of the individuals and groups they serve. Unlike quantitative research, which often seeks to measure and generalize findings across populations, qualitative research prioritizes depth over breadth, allowing for a more nuanced view of social issues.