This document discusses exploratory and descriptive research. Exploratory research is conducted when a problem is not clearly defined, and helps determine the best research design. It aims to satisfy curiosity, test feasibility of further study, and develop methods. Descriptive research describes characteristics of a population or phenomenon, addressing the "what" question. It observes, describes, and documents aspects of a situation naturally occurring through questionnaires, interviews, and observation. Both research types draw only cautious conclusions given their fundamental nature.

1. EXPLORATORY AND
DESCRIPTIVE
RESEARCH
Manalo, Michael Angelo B.
CBET01-501P

2. Exploratory Research
 Exploratory research is research conducted
for a problem that has not been clearly
defined. It often occurs before we know
enough to make conceptual distinctions or
posit an explanatory relationship. [1]
Exploratory research helps determine the best
research design, data collection method and
selection of subjects. It should draw definitive
conclusions only with extreme caution. Given
its fundamental nature, exploratory research
often concludes that a perceived problem does
not actually exist.

3. Purpose
 Exploratory studies are typically done for three
purposes:
 1) to satisfy the researcher’s curiosity and
desire for better understanding,
 2) to test the feasibility of undertaking a more
extensive study
 3) to develop the methods to be employed in
any subsequent studies.

4. Descriptive Research
 Descriptive research, is used to describe
characteristics of a population or phenomenon
being studied. It does not answer questions
about how/when/why the characteristics
occurred. Rather it addresses the "what"
question (What are the characteristics of the
population or situation being studied?) The
characteristics used to describe the situation
or population are usually some kind of
categorical scheme also known as descriptive
categories.

5. Purpose:
 The purpose of descriptive research is to
 observe
 describe
 document
 aspects of a situation as it naturally occurs (Polit & Hungler
1999)
 This involves the collection of data that will provide an
account or description of individuals, groups or situations.
Instruments we use to obtain data in descriptive studies
include
 questionnaires
 interviews (closed questions)
 observation (checklists, etc.)

6. References:
1) ^ Shields, Patricia and Rangarjan, N. 2013. A
Playbook for Research Methods: Integrating
Conceptual Frameworks and Project
Management. [1]. Stillwater, OK: New Forums
Press.
2) Business Research Methods , Saroj Kumar &
Supraiya Singh.
3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploratory_research
4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descriptive_research