Descriptive research and qualitative research both aim to describe phenomena as they occur naturally. Descriptive research typically begins with a predefined research question and collects quantitative data through non-experimental methods like surveys. Qualitative research develops methodologies to study human behavior in context without predetermined notions, gathering data from subjects' perspectives through experimental methods. While both describe natural phenomena, qualitative research induces patterns from data rather than testing hypotheses.

1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
1- decide on the question 1- define the phenomenon of second language to be
described
2- select the population 2- use qualitative methods to gather data
PROCEDURES 3- determine methods for data collection 3- look for patterns in the data
4- collect the data 4- validate initial conclusions by returning to the data
or collecting the data
5- organize and analize the data 5- if necesary, return to step 1 and repeat the cycle,
redefining the area of focus of the basis of the first cycle
deductive inductive
APROACHES constituent holistic
synthetic synthetic
PARAMETERS group study case study aproach
both are concerned with description
SIMILARITIES naturally ocurring phenomena
It utilizes already existing data questions or data are made before the research begins
begins with a preconceived focus or research is carried out without preconceived notions about what
DIFFERENCES question to look for
non experimental experimental
collection of techniques used to specify,delineate, or describe naturally,phenomena without experimental manipulation. it develop methodologies in field anthropologists and sociologists with stdudying human behaviour within the context.
it is often quantitative these methods are data from the perspective of the subjects or observed groups.
FEATURES may providemeasures of frequency it avoids establishing research question or hypotheses or identifying a priori, any variable wich will become the focus of the research.
it does this by collecting data through non-intrusive and non-manipulative procedures avoids the pitfalls felt to exist when language research is carried out in experimental settings.
it is motivated by specific questions or hypotheses derived from theories of second language acquisition or related fields. it is the primary example of hypothesis-generanting research, once all the data are collected, hypotheses may be derived from those data.
appears to be more appropiate for describing the sociaol context of second language.