Today, there is tension between "big data" research and in-depth studies of lives. This article provides a background on in-depth studies where researchers seek to understand individual lives in all of their variations. In-depth research has a long and rich history. It respects the dignity and worth of persons and it builds understandings through relationships. Big data studies shows general tendencies of a relatively small number of variables, but cannot account for the complex meanings that persons experience in their daily lives. Both types of research provide important information.