Which of the following contrasts qualitative and quantitative research methods?

The distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is effectively highlighted by the statement that qualitative studies focus on themes while quantitative studies focus on statistics. Qualitative research is concerned with understanding complex human behaviors, emotions, and social phenomena through detailed exploration of subjective experiences. It often involves interviews, focus groups, or open-ended questionnaires that capture rich, descriptive data that can reveal underlying themes or patterns.

On the other hand, quantitative research relies on numerical data and statistical analysis to draw conclusions about phenomena. It typically involves structured methods such as experiments, surveys with closed-ended questions, or observational studies that yield measurable and comparable data. By emphasizing the difference between thematic exploration and statistical analysis, this choice accurately reflects the fundamental nature of both research approaches, illustrating how they serve different purposes in the field of psychology and social sciences.