Descriptive research 1

Descriptive researchDescriptive research, is used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. It does notanswer questions about how/when/why the characteristics occurred. Rather it addresses the "what" question (Whatare the characteristics of the population or situation being studied?) [1] The characteristics used to describe thesituation or population are usually some kind of categorical scheme also known as descriptive categories. Forexample, the periodic table categorizes the elements. Scientists use knowledge about the nature of electrons, protonsand neutrons to devise this categorical scheme. We now take for granted the periodic table, yet it took descriptiveresearch to devise it. Descriptive research generally precedes explanatory research. For example, over time theperiodic table’s description of the elements allowed scientists to explain chemical reaction and make soundprediction when elements were combined.Hence, research cannot describe what caused a situation. Thus, Descriptive research cannot be used to as the basis ofa causal relationship, where one variable affects another. In other words, descriptive research can be said to have alow requirement for internal validity.The description is used for frequencies, averages and other statistical calculations. Often the best approach, prior towriting descriptive research, is to conduct a survey investigation. Qualitative research often has the aim ofdescription and researchers may follow-up with examinations of why the observations exist and what theimplications of the findings are.

Social science researchIn addition, the conceptualizing of Descriptive research (categorization or taxonomy) precedes the hypotheses ofexplanatory research.[2] For a discussion of how the underlying conceptualization of Exploratory research,Descriptive research and explanatory research fit together see Conceptual framework.

References[1] Patricia M. Shields and Nandhini Rangarajan. 2013. A Playbook for Research Methods: Integrating Conceptual Frameworks and Project

Management (http:/ / store. newforums. com/ A-Playbook-for-Research-Methods-SEB005. htm). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press. Note -Shields & Rangarajan devote a chapter to descriptive research (4). pp. 109-158

[2] Shields, Patricia and HassanTajalli. 2006. Intermediate Theory: The Missing Link in Successful Student Scholarship. Journal of PublicAffairs Education. Vol. 12, No. 3. Pp. 313-334. http:/ / ecommons. txstate. edu/ polsfacp/ 39/

External links• Descriptive Research from BYU linguistics department (http:/ / linguistics. byu. edu/ faculty/ henrichsenl/

ResearchMethods/ RM_2_05. html)

Article Sources and Contributors 2

Article Sources and ContributorsDescriptive research  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=590015652  Contributors: Chirag, Cmcnicoll, DARTH SIDIOUS 2, Everyking, Fæ, G716, Gnfnrf, J.delanoy, JitseNiesen, John of Reading, Kusunose, Lloyd Dunamis, Magioladitis, Malcolma, Materialscientist, Melcombe, Messi rules, Michael Hardy, Mind the gap, Nikai, Noisee, Philip Trueman, Phorque,Ps07swt, Q Valda, RlyehRising, SD5, Sonalgarg, VI, Vrenator, Wavelength, West.andrew.g, Widr, Wildfyr, 83 anonymous edits

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