Qualitative sociology

Definition

Qualitative sociology is a research method that focuses on understanding human behavior by observing, interviewing, and interpreting how people interact within their environments. It emphasizes the meanings, experiences, and relationships of individuals rather than quantifying data with numbers.

Related terms

Ethnography:

A research strategy in qualitative sociology that involves the researcher immersing themselves in a culture or social group to observe and study their practices and behaviors.

Participant Observation:

A method used in qualitative research where the researcher becomes part of the group being studied in order to gain deeper insight into their activities and beliefs.

Case Study: An in-depth examination of a single individual, group, event, or situation over time using multiple sources of data, often utilized in qualitative sociological research