Which type of question is most commonly pursued in qualitative research?

Qualitative research is primarily focused on exploring and understanding the meanings that individuals or groups ascribe to social phenomena. Open-ended questions are most commonly pursued in qualitative research as they allow respondents to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their own words, providing richer and more nuanced data. This format encourages detailed responses and insights that go beyond predetermined categories, giving researchers the flexibility to gather comprehensive qualitative data.

In contrast, closed-ended questions tend to limit responses to predefined options, which can restrict the depth of understanding. Hypothesis-driven questions may also be present in qualitative research but are more typical of quantitative approaches that focus on testing specific theories. Multiple choice questions further narrow respondents' answers, providing little space for elaboration, which is contrary to the aims of qualitative research that seeks to delve deeply into individual perspectives and experiences.