Which of the following is considered a qualitative research method?

Focus groups are recognized as a qualitative research method because they involve gathering insights and perspectives from a group of individuals about their experiences, perceptions, and motivations regarding a specific topic. The format allows for open-ended discussions, enabling participants to express their thoughts in depth and to interact with one another, fostering a rich exploration of the subject matter. This method is valuable for understanding complex issues, generating new ideas, and collecting nuanced feedback that quantitative methods might not capture.

In contrast, sociological surveys typically employ structured questionnaires designed for quantifiable responses, which aligns more closely with quantitative research methods. Statistical analysis involves the use of numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, and trends, thus falling under quantitative research. Clinical trials primarily focus on randomized controlled tests of interventions and treatments, often collecting quantitative data regarding outcomes. Therefore, the qualitative nature of focus groups distinguishes them as the correct answer in this context.