2. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
- is a type of research design that aims to
systematically obtain information to describe
a phenomenon, situation, or population.
- More specifically, it helps answer the what,
when, where, and how questions regarding the
research problem rather than the why.
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An investor considering an investment in the ever-changing
Amsterdam housing market needs to understand what the
current state of the market is, how it changes (increasing or
decreasing), and when it changes
(time of the year) before asking for the why. This is where
descriptive research comes in.
Exit poll surveys conducted by different agencies during
elections.
In such polls, agencies study the opinions of different
populations using surveys and analyze this data to understand
the chances of different political parties in the election.
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EXAMPLES:
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The census conducted by governments. Researchers gather
various details, such as population distribution and economic
conditions.
4. The most common descriptive
research method is the survey,
which includes questionnaires,
personal interviews, phone surveys,
and normative surveys.
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Descriptive research studies a particular population or sample that is
representative of the larger population being studied. Furthermore,
sampling methods can include convenience, stratified, or random sampling.
Descriptive research data is analyzed to identify patterns, relationships, and
trends within the data. Statistical techniques, such as frequency distributions
and descriptive statistics, are commonly used to summarize and describe the
data.
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Participants and Sampling
Data Analysis
Data Collection Techniques
Non-Experimental
Descriptive research typically involves the collection of both qualitative and
quantitative data through methods such as surveys, observational studies, case
studies, or focus groups
Descriptive research is non-experimental, meaning that the researcher does not
manipulate variables or control conditions. The researcher simply observes and
collects data on the population or phenomenon being studied.
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Unlike experimental research, where researchers
manipulate variables to establish cause-and-effect
relationships, descriptive research does not involve
intervention or manipulation of variables. It simply observes
and documents what naturally occurs.
Descriptive research can be cross-sectional, where data is
collected at a single point in time, or longitudinal, where
data is collected over an extended period to track changes
or trends.
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The data collected and analyzed from descriptive research can
then be further researched using different research techniques.
No Manipulation
Cross-Sectional or Longitudinal
Basis for Further Research
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Understanding of a Population or Phenomenon
Baseline Information
Descriptive research provides a comprehensive picture of the
characteristics and behaviors of a particular population or phenomenon,
allowing researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.
The information gathered through descriptive research can
serve as a baseline for future research and provide a foundation
for further studies.
Informative Data
Descriptive research can provide valuable information and
insights into a particular topic, which can inform future research,
policy decisions, and programs
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Sampling Validation
Cost Effective
Descriptive research can be used to validate sampling methods
and to help researchers determine the best approach for their
study.
Descriptive research is often less expensive and less time-
consuming than other research methods, making it a cost-
effective way to gather information about a particular
population or phenomenon.
Easy to Replicate
Descriptive research is straightforward to replicate, making it a
reliable way to gather and compare information from multiple
sources.
11. Data
collection:
Varied:
Descriptive research can be conducted by using
specific methods like observational method, case
study method and survey method. Between these 3,
all major methods of data collection are covered
which provides a lot of information.
Since the data collected is both qualitative
and quantitative, it gives a holistic
understanding of a research topic.
Advantages of
Descriptive Research
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12. Natural
environment:
Quick to
conduct and
cheap:
Descriptive research allows for the research
to be conducted in the natural environment
of the respondent and this ensures that
high-quality and honest data is collected.
As the sample size is generally large in
descriptive research, the data collection is
quick to conduct and is cheap.
Advantages of
Descriptive Research
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