Are you struggling with descriptive research design and need help? Well, as a PhD expert, I have helped many students. According to my analysis, a descriptive research design can employ various methods to investigate one or more variables. In contrast to experimental research, the researcher does not control or manipulate any variables but observes and measures them.
What Is The Aim Of Descriptive Research?
Descriptive research aims to accurately and thoroughly describe a population, situation, or phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when, and how, but not why.
When Should A Descriptive Research Design Be Used?
Using a descriptive research design is an excellent choice when the research goal is to identify characteristics, frequencies, trends, and categories.
It is useful when you know less about a topic or problem. Before investigating why something occurs, you must first understand how, when, and where it occurs. Although qualitative research can also be used for descriptive purposes, descriptive research is typically defined as quantitative research. The research design should be carefully developed to ensure that the results are valid and reliable.
The following are some of the researchers' descriptive research design methods.- Surveys
- Observations
- Case studies
Let us discuss these descriptive research methods in detail now.
Surveys
Surveys allow you to collect large amounts of data that can be analysed for frequencies, averages, and patterns. Surveys are commonly used for the following purposes:- Defining a country's or region's demographics
- Determining public opinion on political and social issues
- Assessing customer satisfaction with a company's or organisation's products or services
Observations:
Observations allow you to collect data on behaviours and phenomena without relying on respondents' honesty and accuracy. Psychological, social, and market researchers frequently use this method to understand how people behave in real-life situations.
Observation of physical entities and phenomena is also important in natural science research. Observing and systematically describing the subject under investigation is necessary before developing testable hypotheses, models, or theories.
Case Studies
A case study can describe a particular subject's features (such as a person, group, event, or organisation).
Case studies collect detailed data to identify the characteristics of a narrowly defined subject rather than a large volume of data to identify patterns across time or location.
Instead of describing generalisable facts, case studies frequently focus on unusual or interesting cases that challenge assumptions, add complexity, or reveal something new about a research problem.
What Are The Characteristics Of Descriptive Research?
Descriptive research refers to the research questions, study design, and data analysis performed on that topic. We call it an observational research method because none of the variables in the research study is influenced in any way.
The following are some distinguishing features of descriptive research:
Quantitative Analysis
It is a quantitative research method that collects quantifiable information from a population sample for statistical analysis. It is a popular market research tool that allows us to collect and describe the nature of the demographic segment.
Uncontrolled Variables
There is no influence on any of the variables in it. The research is carried out using observational methods. That is why the researcher has no control over the variables' nature or behaviour.
Cross-sectional Studies
A cross-sectional study is one in which different sections of the same group are studied.
The Foundation for Future Research
Researchers use various research techniques to investigate the data collected and analysed from descriptive research. The data can also point to the types of research methods that will be used in subsequent studies.
What Are The Applications Of Descriptive Research?
A descriptive research design can be used for a variety of purposes. However, before beginning any survey, it is critical to consider the survey goals and design. Even if these steps are followed, there is no guarantee that the research outcome will be met. What is descriptive research? The following are some ways organisations currently use descriptive research to understand the end goal of research goals:
Define Respondent Characteristics
Using open-ended questions aims to draw specific conclusions about the respondents. It could be due to the need to deduce the respondents' patterns, traits, and behaviours. It could also be to learn about a respondent's attitude or opinion about the phenomenon. For example, learning how many hours millennials spend on the internet per week. All of this information assists the research organisation in making sound business decisions.
Measuring Data Trends
Researchers use the statistical capabilities of a descriptive research design to measure data trends over time. Consider an apparel company researching different demographics, such as age groups 24-35 and 36-45, for a new autumn wear line launch. If one of those groups does not react well to the new launch, it provides information about what clothes are like and what is not. The brand discontinues clothing and apparel that customers dislike.
Making Comparisons
Organisations also use a descriptive research design to understand how different groups respond to a specific product or service. For example, an apparel company might create a survey that asks general questions about the brand's image. The same study asks demographic questions such as age, income, gender, geographical location, etc. This consumer research assists the organisation in determining which aspects of the brand appeal to the population and which are not. It also aids in the development of product or marketing fixes, as well as the development of a new product line to cater to high-growth potential groups. Validate Current Conditions
Researchers widely use descriptive research to help determine the research object's current conditions and underlying patterns when
writing research proposals. Researchers observe each variable and conduct an in-depth analysis due to the non-invasive research method, quantitative observation, and some aspects of qualitative observation. Researchers also use it to validate existing conditions that may be prevalent in a population.
Conduct Research At Various Times
The analysis can be performed at various times to determine similarities or differences. It also allows for the evaluation of an unlimited number of variables. Studies on current conditions can also be repeated to draw trends for verification.
Conclusion:
After reading this article, you will better understand descriptive research design, methods, characteristics and applications. Market researchers must understand descriptive research designs for making key market decisions.
