Which research method focuses on a person's point of view and interactions in social settings?

Focused ethnographies are a qualitative research method that emphasizes understanding a person's experiences and perspectives within their social context. This approach involves observing and engaging with individuals in their natural environments to capture the nuances of their interactions, cultural practices, and social phenomena. Researchers using focused ethnographies seek to gain deep insights into how people perceive and interpret their situations, making it an ideal choice when aiming to explore the subjective realities of participants.

Quantitative research, on the other hand, typically involves statistical analysis and aims to quantify behaviors, opinions, or phenomena rather than focusing on individual perspectives in depth. Case studies, while they can provide detailed insights into particular individuals or groups, do not inherently focus on a person's point of view across broader interactions as effectively as focused ethnographies do. Experimental research primarily tests hypotheses under controlled conditions, which is less about understanding personal viewpoints and more about establishing cause-and-effect relationships. Therefore, focused ethnographies stand out as the method that specifically targets a person's point of view and their interactions within social settings.