Which of the following would apply to Qualitative research
methodology?
(A) Empiricism
(B) Emphasis on description of variables
(C) Rationalism
(D) Structured rigid methodology
(E) Explores experiences, meanings, perceptions and feelings
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is A, B and E Only.

To understand why this is the correct choice, let us analyze each of the given statements in the context of qualitative research methodology:

(A) Empiricism: Empiricism is a philosophical approach stating that knowledge is gained through sensory experience and direct observation. Qualitative research is highly empirical because it relies on collecting real-world, firsthand data through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and field observations.

(B) Emphasis on description of variables: Qualitative research focuses on understanding and describing the qualities, characteristics, and complexities of variables within their natural settings, rather than measuring or quantifying them numerically.

(E) Explores experiences, meanings, perceptions and feelings: This lies at the very core of qualitative inquiry. Unlike quantitative research which deals with numbers, qualitative research seeks to explore the depth of human experiences, how people make sense of their lives, and their subjective perceptions and emotions.

Now, let us look at why the other options do not apply to qualitative research:

(C) Rationalism: Rationalism emphasizes reason, logic, and innate intellect as the primary source of knowledge, which contrasts with the observational and empirical nature of qualitative research.

(D) Structured rigid methodology: Qualitative research designs are flexible, fluid, and emergent. They adapt to new insights gathered during the study, meaning they are not structured or rigid.

Therefore, statements (A), (B), and (E) are characteristic of qualitative research, making the correct option A, B and E Only.