What type of research is designed to collect and interpret data in an unstructured format?

Exploratory research is focused on gaining a deeper understanding of a topic where little information is available. It is particularly useful in situations where the goal is to explore new ideas, clarify concepts, or identify key issues that may warrant further investigation. This type of research often relies on unstructured formats, such as open-ended interviews, focus groups, or observations, allowing for a broad range of responses that can reveal new insights and patterns.

In contrast, descriptive research typically involves structured methods, such as surveys with closed-ended questions, to quantify and describe phenomena, making it less suitable for gathering unstructured data. Causal research, on the other hand, seeks to establish cause-and-effect relationships through experiments or controlled studies, which also necessitate structured data collection methods. Finally, quantitative research is primarily concerned with numerical data and statistical analysis, which again emphasizes structured formats.

Therefore, exploratory research stands out as the correct choice because it inherently seeks to collect and interpret data in an unstructured format, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of complex or unclear subjects.