Which of the following best describes qualitative research?

Qualitative research is primarily concerned with understanding the underlying motivations, beliefs, and experiences of individuals. It goes beyond just gathering numeric data and statistics, focusing instead on the context and meaning behind human behavior. By employing methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations, qualitative research seeks to capture the complexity of social phenomena, providing rich, detailed insights that can inform theory and practice.

This emphasis on depth and understanding distinguish qualitative research from other methods that may prioritize quantitative data, surveys, or causal relationships. The choice that emphasizes insights into human behavior correctly encapsulates the essence of qualitative inquiry, making it the most accurate description among the options provided.