Which anthropological method is most focused on qualitative data?

The method that is most focused on qualitative data is participant observation. This approach involves immersing oneself in a community or social setting to observe behaviors, interactions, and cultural practices from an insider's perspective. Participant observation facilitates a deep understanding of the social dynamics, values, and meanings that participants attach to their experiences, which are captured through detailed, descriptive narratives rather than numerical data.

This qualitative focus allows anthropologists to gather rich, comprehensive insights that quantitative methods cannot readily provide. For example, through participant observation, an anthropologist may uncover complex social relationships, rituals, and traditions that define a community's cultural identity. These insights are often crucial for understanding human behavior in a cultural context, which is a fundamental emphasis of anthropology.