What are the characteristics of descriptive research?
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Descriptive research can be explained as a statement of affairs as they are at present with the researcher having no control over variable. Moreover, “descriptive studies may be characterised as simply the attempt to determine, describe or identify what is, while analytical research attempts to establish why it is that way or how it came to be”[1]. Three main purposes of descriptive studies can be explained as describing, explaining and validating research findings. This type of research is popular with non-quantified topic. Descriptive research is “aimed at casting light on current issues or problems through a process of data collection that enables them to describe the situation more completely than was possible without employing this
method.”[2] To put it simply, descriptive studies are used to describe various aspects of the phenomenon. In its popular format, descriptive research is used to describe characteristics and/or behaviour of sample population. It is an effective method to get information that can be used to develop hypotheses and propose associations. Importantly, these types of studies do not focus on reasons for
the occurrence of the phenomenon. In other words, descriptive research focuses on the question “What?”, but it is not concerned with the question “Why?” Descriptive studies have the following characteristics: 1. While descriptive research can employ a number of variables, only one variable is required to conduct a descriptive study. 2. Descriptive studies are closely associated with observational studies, but they are not limited with
observation data collection method. Case studies and surveys can also be specified as popular data collection methods used with descriptive studies. 3. Findings of descriptive researches create a scope for further research. When a descriptive study answers to the question
“What?”, a further research can be conducted to find an answer to “Why?” question. Research questions in descriptive studies typically start with ‘What is…”. Examples of research questions in descriptive studies may include the following:
Advantages of Descriptive Research
Disadvantages of Descriptive Research
My e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by step assistance contains discussions of theory and application of research designs. The e-book also explains all stages of the research process starting from the selection of the research area to writing personal reflection. Important elements of dissertations such as research philosophy, research approach, methods of data collection, data analysis and sampling are explained in this e-book in simple words. John Dudovskiy [1] Ethridge, D.E. (2004) “Research Methodology in Applied Economics” John Wiley & Sons, p.24 [2] Fox, W. & Bayat, M.S. (2007) “A Guide to Managing Research” Juta Publications, p.45 Published on May 15, 2019 by Shona McCombes. Revised on July 21, 2022. Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when and how questions, but not why questions. A descriptive research design can use a wide variety of research methods to investigate one or more variables. Unlike in experimental research, the researcher does not control or manipulate any of the variables, but only observes and measures them. When to use a descriptive research designDescriptive research is an appropriate choice when the research aim is to identify characteristics, frequencies, trends, and categories. It is useful when not much is known yet about the topic or problem. Before you can research why something happens, you need to understand how, when and where it happens. Descriptive research question examples
Descriptive research methodsDescriptive research is usually defined as a type of quantitative research, though qualitative research can also be used for descriptive purposes. The research design should be carefully developed to ensure that the results are valid and reliable. SurveysSurvey research allows you to gather large volumes of data that can be analyzed for frequencies, averages and patterns. Common uses of surveys include:
ObservationsObservations allow you to gather data on behaviours and phenomena without having to rely on the honesty and accuracy of respondents. This method is often used by psychological, social and market researchers to understand how people act in real-life situations. Observation of physical entities and phenomena is also an important part of research in the natural sciences. Before you can develop testable hypotheses, models or theories, it’s necessary to observe and systematically describe the subject under investigation. Case studiesA case study can be used to describe the characteristics of a specific subject (such as a person, group, event or organization). Instead of gathering a large volume of data to identify patterns across time or location, case studies gather detailed data to identify the characteristics of a narrowly defined subject. Rather than aiming to describe generalizable facts, case studies often focus on unusual or interesting cases that challenge assumptions, add complexity, or reveal something new about a research problem. Is this article helpful?You have already voted. Thanks :-) Your vote is saved :-) Processing your vote... What is the main characteristics of descriptive research?Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when and how questions, but not why questions. A descriptive research design can use a wide variety of research methods to investigate one or more variables.
What is the characteristics of descriptive?Vivid details.
Specific details paint a picture in the reader's mind and appeal to the reader's senses. Descriptive writing may also go beyond creating a strong sensory impression to give the reader a “picture” of the feelings the description evokes in the writer.
What are the three types of descriptive research and what are their general characteristics?There are 3 main data collection methods in descriptive research, namely; observational method, case study method, and survey research.. Observational Method. ... . Case Study Method. ... . Survey Research.. What are some examples of descriptive research?Some of the more common methods include surveys, interviews, observations, case studies, and portfolios. The data collected through these methods can be either quantitative or qualitative.
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