What aspect of sociology studies the tendencies and actions of people that cannot be easily quantified?

Qualitative research is a methodology in sociology that focuses on understanding and interpreting the subjective experiences, meanings, and thoughts of individuals or groups. This approach is centered around exploring the complexities of human behavior and social phenomena that are not easily measurable through numerical data. It employs techniques such as interviews, focus groups, and observations to gather detailed, descriptive data that reflect people's attitudes, emotions, and social contexts.

This type of research is particularly valuable for examining the nuances and depth of human interactions, social practices, or cultural patterns that cannot be captured by quantitative methods, which often rely on statistics and numerical measurements. In contrast, quantitative analysis emphasizes the collection and interpretation of data that can be quantified, such as surveys with closed-ended questions, which may not provide the richness or depth of understanding needed for certain sociological inquiries. Other choices, such as demographic studies and cultural analysis, may involve elements of qualitative investigation but do not specifically focus on the unquantifiable tendencies and actions that qualitative research aims to illuminate.