What method involves a researcher asking individuals a series of questions to gather information about a specific topic?

The method that involves a researcher asking individuals a series of questions to gather information about a specific topic is the interview. Interviews are a qualitative research tool where the researcher engages directly with participants to collect in-depth responses. This method allows for not only closed-ended questions, which can be quantitatively analyzed, but also open-ended questions that enable participants to express their thoughts and feelings in a more detailed manner.

Through interviews, researchers can explore topics in greater depth than other methods, such as surveys, which typically deliver data in more rigid formats. Interviews also provide the flexibility to adapt questions based on the participant's responses, leading to richer data. This level of interaction can reveal nuances and insights that may not be captured through more structured approaches.

In contrast, focus groups generally involve discussions among a small group of participants, which can lead to collective insights but may not capture individual perspectives as thoroughly as interviews. Surveys, while useful for gathering data from a larger audience, usually rely on predefined questions that limit the depth of information obtained. Case studies involve an in-depth examination of a single subject or situation rather than a series of questions directed at individuals.