What method focuses on gathering subjective data related to participants' personal experiences?

The correct choice highlights qualitative methodologies as the method that focuses on gathering subjective data related to participants' personal experiences. Qualitative research is designed to explore and understand the meanings individuals assign to their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This approach often employs methods such as interviews, focus groups, and open-ended survey questions, allowing participants to express their perspectives in their own words.

The essence of qualitative methodologies lies in their ability to capture the richness and complexity of human experiences, which often cannot be quantified. This depth of understanding is particularly valuable in fields like community and family studies, where personal narratives can illuminate broader social patterns or issues.

In contrast, other methodologies, such as quantitative analysis, emphasize numeric data and statistical relationships, focusing on objective measurements and often leading to generalized conclusions. Descriptive statistics also center on summarizing data sets rather than delving into individual participants' subjective experiences. Control studies are typically associated with experimental designs where variables are manipulated to determine cause-and-effect relationships, rather than focusing on personal experiences.