Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which type of research aims to explore social phenomena in their natural settings?

1. Quantitative research

2. Descriptive research

3. Qualitative research

4. Experimental research

The correct answer is: Qualitative research

The correct answer is qualitative research because this type of research focuses on understanding social phenomena through in-depth exploration of the contexts in which they occur. Qualitative research typically involves collecting non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and open-ended survey responses. This allows researchers to gain insights into the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of participants within their natural environments. In contrast, quantitative research is primarily concerned with measuring variables and analyzing statistical relationships, which necessitates a more controlled setting. Descriptive research, while it can provide a snapshot of social phenomena, does not delve deeply into their complexities or the contexts surrounding them. Experimental research, on the other hand, involves manipulation of variables in a controlled environment to establish cause-and-effect relationships, which is not focused on exploring phenomena in their natural settings. Thus, qualitative research stands out as the approach most aligned with exploring the intricacies of social phenomena as they naturally occur.