Descriptive research is carried out to describe current issues, programs, and provides information about the issue through surveys and various fact-finding methods.
It includes correlational and comparative methods of research. Descriptive research has an essential role in sociological and psychological studies. It describes the existing theory and discovers new facts about it. It is conducted to solve a problem and answer a specific question.
Example:
The widespread of contaminated diseases in a specific area of the town. Investigation reveals that there is no trash removal system in that area. A researcher can hypothesize the reason that the improper trash removal system leads to the widespread of contaminated disease.
Purpose of Descriptive Research
Descriptive research is used to
- To observe, describe, and explain any hypothesis or situation related to a specific individual, situation, or group of people.
- To describe characteristics.
- To measure the percentage of units.
- To determine the perception of the product category.
- To determine the degree of the associated variables.
Descriptive Research Methods
Descriptive research uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. Some of the essential methods are discussed below:
Analysing Secondary Data
A researcher can use the existing information collected by others as the base of new research to answer a question and describe the phenomenon.
Surveys
Surveys can be conducted online and offline, depending on the requirement and sample size of the participants. It includes a questionnaire, including open-ended and closed-ended questions.
Observations
Observation is one of the most effective descriptive methods.
- Quantitative observation records measurable data such as volume, weight, shape, age, height, and scale.
- Qualitative observation focuses on participant characteristics, often with the researcher acting as a participant.
Case Study
It includes an in-depth study, investigation, and data collection from multiple sources over time. A case study is widely used in social sciences to study the underlying information, organisation, community, or event.
It does not provide any solution to the problem. Researchers cannot act as the participants of the research. The results may not be accurate due to the incorrect responses of the participants.
Research Design
A research design is an outline of the procedure of the research. It depends on the aim and nature of the study and includes:
- Methods of data collection
- Tools used for data collection
- Methods of data analysis
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Descriptive Research
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Uses both qualitative and quantitative methods | Requires more skills |
| Can be carried out without informing participants (natural behavior) | Cannot identify the causes behind problems or phenomena |
| Inexpensive and time-saving | Often has a low participant response rate |
| Collects and documents a large amount of data | Variables cannot be controlled |
| Focuses on solving problems rather than inventing new theories | Does not create new theories or methods |
Frequently Asked Questions
In experimental research, manipulation of variables is common compared to descriptive research. Descriptive research only deals with records and analyzes the existing behaviours over patterns.
Descriptive research can only describe what type of questions related to research it does not predict the outcomes.
Descriptive research works for both types of population groups. The size of the study group depends on the goal of the researcher.
