Descriptive research method is used to obtain information about the current status of phenomena without manipulating the environment. It describes "what exists" with respect to variables in a situation. There are several types of descriptive research methods including survey method, content analysis method, and correlation method. Developmental study method examines changes and trends over time using longitudinal studies, cross-sectional studies, or trend studies. Longitudinal studies follow the same subjects over a long period of time while cross-sectional studies observe different subjects of various developmental stages at the same point in time. Both methods aim to evaluate changes occurring within the context of time.

1. BY.
RENU SHARMA
ROLL NO.14
J. G. College of Education
PAPER – A004
METHODS OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
Unit – 2
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH METHOD
TO.
DR. DIPTI BHATT
PROFESSOR

2. WHAT IS DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
METHOD ?
 A descriptive study is one in which information is
collected without changing the environment
(i.e., nothing is manipulated). It is used to obtain
information concerning the current status of the
phenomena to describe "what exists" with
respect to variables or conditions in a situation.
 Present trends, beliefs, public mind, their
viewpoint and attitudes, their effects or
development of new trends are described
 Ex. : Instance of road accident.

3. Research Methods
Historical Research
Method
Descriptive Research
Method
Experimental Research
Method
(A) Past (C) Future(B) Present
Survey
Method
Content Analysis
Method
Correlation
Method
Developmental
Method
Ethnography
Method
Longitudinal
Cross –
Sectional
Trend –
Related

4. DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY METHOD
 The longitudinal , cross-sectional and trend
studies of descriptive research are together
known as developmental research.
 It examines the change in specific characterstics
and the trends of development in context of
time.
 the systematic study of designing, developing,
and evaluating instructional programs,
processes, and products that must meet criteria
of internal consistency and effectiveness

5. TYPES OF DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY
METHOD
 LONGITUDINAL DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY
METHOD
 CROSS-SECTIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL
STUDY METHOD
 TREND RELATED DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY
METHOD

6. LONGITUDINAL DEVELOPMENTAL
STUDY METHOD
 Borg and Gall : “An individual or a group is
studied longitudinally when the researcher
follows the same person over a period of time. In
long term developmental study a researcher has
to wait for a prolonged period to get the initial
and final information”.
 The same type of information is collected from
the same subjects of a sample, at various interval
of time in context of certain variables, and in
which the trend of development is examined in
context of time is called longitudinal
developmental study method.

7. LONGITUDINAL DEVELOPMENTAL
STUDY METHOD
 Study on the same subjects of the same group is
done for a long period of time.
 Continous study of various development is done.
 Sample is small
 Repeated observations are taken at different
time.
 It is expensive.
 Repeated interview is essential.
 Ex.

8. TYPES OF LONGITUDINAL STUDY
(1)TREND STUDY :
(2) COHORT STUDY :
(3) PANEL STUDY :

9. CROSS-SECTIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL
STUDY METHOD
 Cohen and Manyon, “When the different
respondent are studied simultaneously in
practical time, then it is called Cross-
Sectional Study”.
 To compare the subjects of samples
representing various stages of development
at a particular time and to evaluate the
changes occuring at a specific time.

10. CROSS-SECTIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL
STUDY METHOD
 Study is done on various subjects at one time.
 The rate of development is studied.
 A large sample is selected.
 Observation is taken at a same time.
 Interview is done once or twice.
 Less expensive.
 Ex.