What is a notable limitation of qualitative research?

Qualitative research excels in providing in-depth insights into individuals' experiences, perceptions, and motivations, but a notable limitation is that its findings may not be generalizable to larger populations. This is primarily because qualitative research typically involves smaller, more focused samples that may not represent the broader population accurately. As a result, while the findings can provide rich, context-specific insights, they may not translate to larger groups or different settings. This limitation arises from the subjective and context-dependent nature of qualitative research, which prioritizes depth over breadth. Researchers often conduct qualitative studies to explore nuanced phenomena, which can lead to findings that are deeply rooted in specific contexts, thereby reducing their applicability to wider populations.