thick description
in qualitative research, the delineation and interpretation of observed behavior within its particular context so that the behavior becomes meaningful to an outsider. The context may be a small unit (a family or work environment) or a larger unit (a community or general culture). The researcher not only accurately describes observed behavior or social actions but also assigns purpose, motivation, and intentionality to these actions by explaining the context within which they took place; thick description conveys the thoughts and feelings of participants as well as the complex web of relationships among them. In contrast, a thin description is a superficial account that does not explore underlying meanings. [introduced in 1973 by U.S. anthropologist Clifford Geertz (1926–2006)]