Descriptive Research: Methods And Examples
A research project always begins with selecting a topic. The next step is for researchers to identify the specific areas…
October 17, 2021 | 7 mins read
A research project always begins with selecting a topic. The next step is for researchers to identify the specific areas of interest. After that, they tackle the key component of any research problem: how to gather enough quality information. If we opt for a descriptive research design we have to ask the correct questions to access the right information.
For instance, researchers may choose to focus on why people invest in cryptocurrency, knowing how dynamic the market is rather than asking why the market is so shaky. These are completely different questions that require different research approaches. Adopting the descriptive method can help capitalize on trends the information reveals. Descriptive research examples show the thorough research involved in such a study.
Get to know more about descriptive research design.
A descriptive method of research is one that describes the characteristics of a phenomenon, situation or population. It uses quantitative and qualitative approaches to describe problems with little relevant information. Descriptive research accurately describes a research problem without asking why a particular event happened. By researching market patterns, the descriptive method answers how patterns change, what caused the change and when the change occurred, instead of dwelling on why the change happened.
Descriptive research refers to questions, study design and analysis of data conducted on a particular topic. It is a strictly observational research methodology with no influence on variables. Some distinctive features of descriptive research are:
To understand the descriptive research meaning, data collection methods, examples and application, we need a deeper understanding of its features.
Different ways of approaching the descriptive method help break it down further. Let’s look at the different types of descriptive research:
The descriptive survey gathers data about different subjects. To determine the literacy rate of women under 20 for instance, a survey of the region may be the best research tool. This can also help determine the different qualifications of educated women from that region.
This is achieved by introducing the normative element into a descriptive survey. Here the result of a study is compared with the norm. The growth rate in children from a region can be compared with the average height and weight of well-developed children. If the average height and weight are more than or equal to the accepted value, or the norm, then growth has been satisfactory.
This type of research quantitatively describes real-life situations. For example, to understand the relation between wages and performance, research on employee salaries and their respective performances can be conducted.
This technique analyzes a subject further. Once the relation between wages and performance has been established, an organization can further analyze employee performance by researching the output of those who work from an office with those who work from home.
Descriptive classification is mainly used in the field of biological science. It helps researchers classify species once they have studied the data collected from different search stations.
Comparing two variables can show if one is better than the other. Doing this through tests or surveys can reveal all the advantages and disadvantages associated with the two. For example, this technique can be used to find out if paper ballots are better than electronic voting devices.
Correlative surveys can establish a relationship between two variables by determining how they’re related. An increase in fuel prices will lead to an increase in public transportation fares and a decline in automobile sales.
The researcher has to effectively interpret the area of the problem and then decide the appropriate technique of descriptive research design.
A researcher can choose one of the following methods to solve research problems and meet research goals:
With this method, a researcher observes the behaviors, mannerisms and characteristics of the participants. It is widely used in psychology and market research and does not require the participants to be involved directly. It’s an effective method and can be both qualitative and quantitative for the sheer volume and variety of data that is generated.
It’s a popular method of data collection in research. It follows the principle of obtaining information quickly and directly from the main source. The idea is to use rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methods and ask crucial questions essential to the business for the short and long term.
In this method, a sample group carved out of a larger group is tested. Based on the study, the characteristics of the sample group can be used to describe the larger group. This is usually effective in less diverse samples since it’s difficult to generalize people.
Case studies tend to fall short in situations where researchers are dealing with highly diverse people or conditions. Surveys and observations are carried out effectively but the time of execution significantly differs between the two.
There are multiple applications of descriptive research design but executives must learn that it’s crucial to clearly define the research goals first. Here’s how organizations use descriptive research to meet their objectives:
Descriptive research is widely used due to its non-invasive nature. Quantitative observations allow in-depth analysis and a chance to validate any existing condition.
There are several different descriptive research examples that highlight the types, applications and uses of this research method. Let’s look at a few:
Descriptive research can be used by an organization to understand the spending patterns of customers as well as by a psychologist who has to deal with mentally ill patients. In both these professions, the individuals will require thorough analyses of their subjects and large amounts of crucial data to develop a plan of action.
Every method of descriptive research can provide information that is diverse, thorough and varied. This supports future research and hypotheses. But although they can be quick, cheap and easy to conduct in the participants’ natural environment, descriptive research design can be limited by the kind of information it provides, especially with case studies. Trying to generalize a larger population based on the data gathered from a smaller sample size can be futile. Similarly, a researcher can unknowingly influence the outcome of a research project due to their personal opinions and biases. In any case, a manager has to be prepared to collect important information in substantial quantities and have a balanced approach to prevent influencing the result.
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Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as Main Objectives of Research, Examples of Experimental Research, Methods Of Ethnographic Research, and How To Use Blended Learning to upgrade your knowledge and skills.