Particularly for descriptive research, the searcher is required to explain the situation or phenomenon in a systematic manner to get the needed results. You must answer the questions ‘what,’ ‘where,’ and ‘when,’ not any ‘whys,’ in this section. This is primarily due to the fact that you must have a thorough understanding of your research problem and what you are looking into. Several ways are used to study the variable in issue utilizing the descriptive research method. As a result, we may claim that it differs from experimental research in many respects. Researchers can regulate or manipulate factors in an experimental study, for example. They can only observe and measure them in a descriptive study.
Descriptive research’s main goal is to uncover specific trends or traits. When the topic presented to pupils is a little more enigmatic, though, investigation can help to uncover more facts and data.
What are the Main Features of Descriptive Research?
Below you will find some common features of descriptive research:
Quantitative
Although quantitative research is generally associated with descriptive research, it can also incorporate qualitative research. As a result, it’s critical to create a great study design that can aid ensure the research’s correctness and reliability.
Qualitative
At other times, descriptive research is also conducted using the qualitative approach so that research problems could be understood in a more detailed manner. The reason can be anything from research being more exploratory or explanatory.
Uncontrolled Variables
The key thing researchers come across is that they cannot have control over variables in descriptive research as they can do with the experimental ones.
The Foundation for More Research
The findings of a descriptive study can be further evaluated and applied to a variety of other research approaches. It provides information regarding the next line of research as well as the research approach used. This could be because it provides basic knowledge on the research problem, which leads to other inquiries such as why something is happening the way it is.
Descriptive research is defined as a research method that describes the features of the population or subject under investigation. This methodology places a greater emphasis on the “what” of the research topic rather than the “why” of the research topic.
The descriptive research method focuses on identifying the characteristics of a demographic group rather than “why” a phenomenon happens. In other words, it “describes” the research topic without explaining “why” it occurs.
For example, an apparel company that wishes to learn about fashion purchase habits among New Yorkers will perform a demographic survey of the city, collect population statistics, and then undertake descriptive research on this demographic segment. The study will then reveal specifics on “what is the purchase pattern of New York buyers,” but will not go into detail on “why” the trends exist. Because the study’s goal is to understand the nature of the market for the apparel business aiming to break into it.
Effective Methods for Descriptive Research
Following are some effective methods to carry out descriptive researches:
Observations
With the use of observation, you can collect data and information without having to rely on the respondents’ correctness. Only powerful observations can reveal information such as behaviour, attitudes, and routines. As a result, we may assert that observation is a highly effective instrument in social research and psychology. It aids researchers in analysing real-world difficulties and concerns. Observations are also an important component of natural sciences because they assist researchers in observing and inspecting a variety of objects and phenomena. As a result, before developing any ideas, hypotheses, or models, one must thoroughly and methodically examine and describe the subject. If you are not willing to get involved in such hassle, you can go for a custom term paper writing service.
Surveys
Surveys consist of a wide collection of data that can be further analyzed based on characteristics and other patterns. These aspects need to be connected with the goal of the research. Some common uses of surveys are as under:
- To understand the needs on a more vast level for anything from a product to a service.
- Identification of customer response for a service or a product.
- Defining the demography of a region or country.
Case Study
Case studies allow the researcher to describe and examine a single subject, such as a person or a group of people. They don’t deal with massive data sets here. Instead, topics can be easily restricted for descriptive research by identifying their features. Generalized facts are replaced with challenging assumptions or scenario-specific facts that tell anything about the study while assessing case studies.
A descriptive research approach can be applied in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes. However, before beginning any survey, it is critical to understand the survey goals and design. There is no way to determine if one will meet the research outcome even if one follow these instructions. What is a descriptive research and how may it be used? The following are some examples of how organizations presently employ to grasp the ultimate goal of research goals:
Benefits of Carrying Out Descriptive
- Because descriptive research data is gathered from a wide population, it is useful in making crucial decisions. Because statistical information can be acquired and analyzed using the descriptive survey approach, desired findings can be deduced.
- Different descriptive research methods, including surveys, observation, and case studies, can be used to collect a wide range of data. These three research methodologies produce various types of data that can be analyzed to solve a research challenge. The case study research approach, for instance, might be used to develop a hypothesis regarding a research problem.
- One advantage of descriptive research over other types of study is that it is inexpensive and easy to undertake. You don’t need a fantastic space dedicated solely to research. such as observation research, can be conducted in natural settings, and surveys can be sent online or collected from random people at your workplace or other public locations.
- Descriptive research yields quantitative as well as qualitative information. The wide range of data allows for a comprehensive comprehension of the research problem.
- Natural environments can be used for descriptive research. To do research using any of the descriptive research methods, there is no need for a defined place.
Drawbacks of Descriptive Research
- Descriptive approaches only provide answers to “what,” but not to “why” or “how.” As a result, descriptive research approaches are ineffective for establishing cause-and-effect linkages.
- People’s responses are at the heart of descriptive approaches. When people are aware that they are being watched, they are more likely to act in ways that are not genuine to themselves. When using the survey approach, there is a potential that some respondents will not answer the questions honestly, rendering the descriptive research study’s results inaccurate. Because the conclusions drawn from this type of data are likely to be inaccurate.
- The halo effect is yet another issue with descriptive research. If the researcher knows the participant personally, he may be biased. This type of observation would be regarded as invalid.
- Participants are chosen at random in descriptive research methodologies. The sample’s unpredictability cannot fully represent the entire population.
Conclusion:
Our article revolves around some effective methods for descriptive research to help students deal with academic assignments in the best way possible. Moreover, in case of any difficulty, students can reach out to academic helpers through one of the well-known dollar 6 essay writing services.