Definition of descriptive research

Definition of descriptive research

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.” In its essence, descriptive studies are used to describe various aspects of the phenomenon May 15,  · Descriptive 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. Surveys. Survey research allows you to gather large volumes of data that can be analyzed for frequencies, averages and patterns. Descriptive research definition: Descriptive research is defined as a research method that describes the characteristics of the population or phenomenon studied. This methodology focuses more on the “what” of the research subject than the “why” of the research subject. The descriptive research method primarily focuses on describing the nature of a demographic segment, without focusing on “why” a

Descriptive Research - Definition & Methods

Published on May 15, by Shona McCombes. Revised on September 3, Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can answer whatwherewhen and how questionsbut not why questions. A descriptive research design can use a wide variety of research methods to investigate one or more variables. Unlike in experimental researchthe researcher does not control or manipulate any of the variables, definition of descriptive research, but only observes and measures them.

Table of contents When to use a descriptive research design Descriptive research methods. Descriptive 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, definition of descriptive research.

Descriptive research is usually defined as a type of quantitative researchthough qualitative research can also be used for descriptive purposes, definition of descriptive research.

The research design should be carefully developed to ensure that the results are valid and reliable. Survey research allows you to gather large volumes of data that can be analyzed for frequencies, averages and patterns.

Common uses of surveys include:. Observations 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 definition of descriptive research sciences.

A 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, definition of descriptive research, case studies gather detailed data to identify the characteristics of a narrowly definition of descriptive research 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.

Have a language expert improve your writing. Check your paper for plagiarism in 10 minutes. Do the check. Generate your APA citations for free! APA Citation Generator. Home Knowledge Base Methodology Descriptive research. Descriptive research Published on May 15, by Shona McCombes. Descriptive research question examples How has the Amsterdam housing market changed over the past 20 years?

Do customers of definition of descriptive research X prefer product X or product Y? What are the main genetic, behavioural and morphological differences between European wildcats and domestic cats?

What are the most popular online news sources among unders? How prevalent is disease Definition of descriptive research in population B? Is this article helpful? Shona McCombes Shona has a bachelor's and two master's degrees, so she's an expert at writing a great thesis. She has also worked as an editor and teacher, working with students at all different levels to improve their academic writing.

Other students also liked. An introduction to quantitative research Quantitative research means collecting and analyzing numerical data to describe characteristics, find correlations, or test hypotheses.

Correlational research Correlational research measures the relationship between two variables. Its methods include surveys, observations and archival data analysis. An introduction to descriptive statistics Descriptive statistics summarize the characteristics of a data set. There are three types: distribution, central tendency, and variability. What is your plagiarism score? Scribbr Plagiarism Checker, definition of descriptive research.

Descriptive Research

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Descriptive Research: Definition, Characteristics, Methods, Examples and Advantages | QuestionPro

Descriptive research is a research design that is used to investigate different phenomenon and situations. It always targets to answer questions like how the situation happen, when in terms of the time or date, where in terms of the place it happened, and what the issue or phenomenon is May 15,  · Descriptive 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. Surveys. Survey research allows you to gather large volumes of data that can be analyzed for frequencies, averages and patterns. 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.” In its essence, descriptive studies are used to describe various aspects of the phenomenon