This document discusses qualitative research and its key characteristics. It begins by defining qualitative research as beginning with assumptions about a social problem and studying it through the meanings people ascribe to it. It then outlines characteristics of qualitative research such as conducting research in natural settings, using the researcher as the key instrument, collecting multiple types of data, analyzing data inductively by looking for themes, focusing on participant meanings, using emergent design, applying theoretical lenses, engaging in interpretive inquiry, and providing holistic accounts. Finally, it lists some common qualitative study approaches such as biographical narrative, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study.