What type of research collects data from a smaller sample and is more open-ended?

The choice of exploratory research is appropriate because this type of research is specifically designed to gather insights and understandings from a smaller sample size, often utilizing open-ended questions. This allows for a more flexible approach to data collection, where researchers can explore new ideas, identify potential variables, and uncover patterns that were not previously understood.

Exploratory research is typically utilized in the early stages of research projects when the exact nature of the problem is not fully defined. It aims to develop hypotheses and gain preliminary insights rather than provide conclusive answers. This approach enables researchers to delve into topics with a sense of curiosity and encourages participants to express their thoughts and opinions in their own words, leading to richer qualitative data.

In contrast, conclusive research aims to provide definitive answers and is generally structured around larger samples and more closed-ended questions, while descriptive research focuses on detailing characteristics of a population from larger samples using more structured methods. Predictive research, on the other hand, is geared towards forecasting future outcomes based on current data trends, which does not align with the open-ended nature of exploratory research.