A veterinary researcher is interested in studying the well-being of companion animals in households. Which of the following statements best illustrates the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research in this context?
a) Qualitative research would involve collecting numerical data on factors like the frequency of veterinary visits and medication adherence, while quantitative research would explore the emotional bond between owners and their pets through in-depth interviews.
b) Qualitative research would focus on understanding the subjective experiences of pet owners and the emotional aspects of the human-animal bond, while quantitative research would use structured observations to measure specific health indicators in companion animals.
c) Qualitative research would use experimental designs to assess the impact of specific interventions on companion animal well-being, while quantitative research would rely on narratives and stories shared by pet owners to understand the overall trends in animal health.
d) Qualitative research would use statistical methods to analyze the health records and medical histories of companion animals, while quantitative research would employ open-ended surveys to understand the diverse ways in which owners perceive their pets' well-being.