Which type of research study would explore clients' and families' perceptions of receiving care?

Qualitative research is particularly well-suited for exploring clients' and families' perceptions of receiving care because it focuses on understanding human experiences, perspectives, and meanings. This type of research involves gathering in-depth information through methods such as interviews, focus groups, or open-ended surveys. It allows researchers to capture the nuances of how individuals feel about their care, what factors influence their perceptions, and the meanings they attribute to their experiences.

In this context, qualitative research enables the exploration of complex emotional and social dynamics that shape clients' and families' views, providing rich, descriptive data rather than numerical values. This richness is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of personal experiences in care settings, which can inform improvements in practice and policy.

While quantitative research typically involves numerical data and statistical analysis, and ordinal refers to a specific type of measurement scale rather than a study design, non-scientific would connote a lack of systematic methodology or rigor in the inquiry. Therefore, qualitative research emerges as the most appropriate and effective approach for this exploration of perceptions.