Yes — qualititative approach generally places less focus on hypothesis.

But the answer needs nuance (important for UPSC).

Why qualitative approach focuses less on hypothesis

Core orientation

• Aim: Understanding meaning, process, context
• Logic: Inductive / exploratory
• Epistemology: Interpretivist, constructivist
• Concern: “How” and “Why”, not “How much”

➡️ Therefore, research does not usually start with rigid, pre-set hypotheses.

How qualitative research actually works

Instead of hypothesis, it uses:

• Research questions
• Sensitising concepts
• Open-ended themes
• Emergent propositions

Hypotheses may:

• Emerge during or after fieldwork
• Be refined iteratively