This document discusses descriptive research methods and surveys. It describes different types of descriptive research such as developmental studies, case studies, and comparative studies. Surveys are characterized by collecting information from a large group using written or oral questions from a sample. Popular survey methods include direct interviews, telephone interviews, and distributing questionnaires by mail or in person. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are provided. The document concludes with the typical steps for conducting a survey, which include identifying the study focus, developing the research instrument, pretesting the instrument, collecting and analyzing the data, and reporting the results.