Which research method uses open-ended questions for in-depth insights?

Qualitative research is specifically designed to explore and understand complex phenomena through subjective perspectives. It employs open-ended questions, allowing participants to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their own words. This method is ideal for gaining in-depth insights into participants' motivations, beliefs, and behaviors, as it prioritizes rich, detailed accounts over numeric data.

Unlike quantitative research, which focuses on numerical data and often employs closed questions to gather measurable outcomes, qualitative research delves deeper without constraining responses. Mixed-method research incorporates both qualitative and quantitative approaches, allowing for a combination of statistical analysis and thematic exploration but does not exclusively focus on open-ended inquiries. Experimental research, typically used to establish cause-and-effect relationships under controlled conditions, often relies on predetermined variables and does not utilize open-ended questions to gather data. Therefore, qualitative research is the method that uses open-ended questions for in-depth insights, making it the correct choice.