Qualitative research design refers to the framework and strategy adopted to collect, analyze, and interpret non-numerical data in order to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. Unlike quantitative research, which deals with measurable and numerical data, qualitative research seeks to explore the depth, richness, and complexity of human behavior and social phenomena. It is typically more flexible, inductive, and open-ended in nature. This type of research is widely used in fields such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, and market research where the aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The essence of qualitative research design lies in its focus on meaning, experience, and understanding from the perspective of the participants. The research is often conducted in natural settings, and the data collected are textual, such as interview transcripts, field notes, diaries, photographs, or video recordings. The goal is to develop theories or gain insights rather than to test hypotheses or generalize findings across populations. One of the fundamental characteristics of qualitative research is that it is interpretive and subjective. Researchers become the main instruments of data collection and interpretation, which allows them to be flexible and adaptive during the research process. Rather than starting with a fixed hypothesis, qualitative researchers often begin with broad questions and allow patterns, themes, and categories to emerge from the data. The differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs are rooted in their underlying philosophical assumptions, methods of data collection, types of data, analysis techniques, and goals. While qualitative research is primarily exploratory and aims to understand the meaning and interpretation of social phenomena, quantitative research is more deductive, aiming to test theories and hypotheses using statistical tools and numerical data. In terms of philosophical orientation, qualitative research is rooted in constructivism, which assumes that reality is socially constructed and subjective. Researchers using this approach believe that understanding human behavior requires examining the context and the perspectives of those involved. In contrast, quantitative research is grounded in positivism, which views reality as objective and measurable. This distinction influences the way research is conducted and how findings are interpreted. The data collection methods in