What study technique follows a small number of people over an extended period to determine patterns?

The technique that follows a small number of people over an extended period to determine patterns is best characterized as phenomenological research. This qualitative approach focuses on understanding the lived experiences of individuals, capturing their perspectives and emotions within a specific context. By engaging with a small sample over time, researchers can observe and document the intricacies of human behavior and the meaning individuals ascribe to their experiences. This longitudinal aspect allows for in-depth analysis of changes and developments in the participants' lives, revealing underlying patterns that may not be evident in larger or more transient studies.

In contrast, a controlled trial typically involves a larger population and often includes interventions that are tested against a control group, making it less suited for in-depth personal experience analysis. Ethnography, while also focused on detailed observation, tends to involve broader cultural contexts rather than the individual experiences over time. A triple-blind study involves a specific methodology aimed at reducing bias by keeping participants, researchers, and observers unaware of key aspects of the study, which is not aligned with the goal of understanding personal journeys or experiences over time.