Research Assignment #22: How observational & survey method of descriptive research help address ‘WHAT’ and ‘ABOUT’? And help determine the characteristics of a situation, individuals with respect to research phenomenon? For the Departments of English & Media Studies by Prof Dr Sohail Ansari

Descriptive research

Instructor: Devin Kowalczyk                

Devin has taught psychology and has a master's degree in clinical forensic psychology. He is working on his PhD.

This lesson explores the different ways that a researcher can understand individuals or groups of people, both in terms of psychological research as well as general research in other fields.

Descriptive Research: Definitions

Sometimes an individual wants to know something about a group of people. Maybe the individual is a would-be senator and wants to know who they're representing or a surveyor who is looking to see if there is a need for a mental health program.

Question:

An essay of ‘Research Assignment 20’ has described everything about a king and people associated with him. Do you think descriptive research can help?

Descriptive research is a study designed to depict the participants in an accurate way. More simply put, descriptive research is all about describing people who take part in the study.

There are three ways a researcher can go about doing a descriptive research project, and they are:

• Observational, defined as a method of viewing and recording the participants
• Case study, defined as an in-depth study of an individual or group of individuals
• Survey, defined as a brief interview or discussion with an individual about a specific topic

Let's look at specific ways we can use each of these.

Observational

If I say, 'chimpanzees,' what do you think? Okay, after you think of bananas. Okay, after you remember that their babies are adorable. Yes! Jane Goodall - the researcher who spent years observing chimpanzees in the wild.

Observational studies are all about watching people, and they come in two flavors. Naturalistic, also known as field observation, is a study where a researcher observes the subject in its natural environment. This is basically what Jane Goodall did; she observed the chimpanzees in their natural environment and drew conclusions from this. This makes the observations more true to what happens in the chaotic, natural world. But, it also means you have less control over what happens.

Question:

What will be your field for observation? What will be your subjects? What will you observe?

The other flavor is laboratory observation, where a researcher observes the subject in a laboratory setting. This gives the researcher a little more control over what happens so they don't have to fly out to some tiny little island in the middle of a war zone to observe something. However, it does ruin some of the naturalness that one might get from field observation. An example of a laboratory observation in psychology would be done to understand something about children at a certain age, such as the process of how a child learns to speak and mimic sounds.

Question:

What will you observe in the laboratory observation?

Survey

A survey comes in different flavors, be it interviewing people face to face or handing out questionnaires to fill out. The main difference between surveys and observations is that in a survey you don't watch people; you ask them about themselves

 

Question:

Will you be interviewing or handing out questionnaires?

 

Descriptive Research: Definition By Adi Bhat

                                                    

Descriptive research is defined as a research method that describes the characteristics of the population or phenomenon that is being studied. This methodology focuses more on the “what” of the research subject rather than the “why” of the research subject.

Question:

An essay of ‘Research Assignment 20’ has described what and why if it so then what is the utility of Descriptive research

In other words, descriptive research primarily focuses on describing the nature of a demographic segment, without focusing on “why” a certain phenomenon occurs. In other words, it “describes” the subject of the research, without covering “why” it happens.

For example, an apparel brand that wants to understand the fashion purchasing trends among New York buyers will conduct a demographic survey of this region, gather population data and then conduct descriptive research on this demographic segment. The research will then uncover details on “what is the purchasing pattern of New York buyers”, but not cover any investigative details on “why” the patterns exits. Because for the apparel brand trying to break into this market, understanding the nature of their market is the objective of the study.

Question: 

What is your objective of the study?

Characteristics of Descriptive Research

The term descriptive research then, refers to research questions, design of the research and data analysis that would be conducted on that topic. It is called an observational research method because none of the variables that are part of the research study are influenced in any capacity.

Some distinctive characteristics of descriptive research are:

1. Quantitative research: Descriptive research is a quantitative research method that attempts to collect quantifiable information to be used for statistical analysis of the population sample. It is an popular market research tool that allows to collect and describe the nature of the demographic segment.

2. Uncontrolled variables: In descriptive research, none of the variables are influenced in any way. This uses observational methods to conduct the research. Hence, the nature of the variables or their behavior is not in the hands of the researcher.

3. Cross-sectional studies: Descriptive research is generally a cross-sectional study where different sections belonging to the same group are studied.

4. Basis for further research: The data collected and analyzed from descriptive research can then be further researched using different research techniques. The data also can help point towards the types of research methods are to be used for the subsequent research.

Applications of Descriptive Research with Examples

Descriptive research can be used in multiple ways and for multiple reasons. Before getting into any kind of survey though, the survey goals and survey design is very important. Despite following these steps though, there is no way to know if the research outcome will be met. To understand the end objective of research goals, below are some ways organizations currently use descriptive research today:

·         Define respondent characteristics: The aim of using close-ended questions is to draw concrete conclusions about the respondents. This could be the need to derive patterns, traits and behaviors of the respondents. It could also be to understand from a respondent, their attitude or opinion about the phenomenon in question. For example, understanding from millenials the hours per week they spend on browsing the internet. All this information helps the organization conducting the research make informed business decisions.

·         Measure data trends: Data trends can be measured over time with statistical capabilities provided by descriptive research. Consider if an apparel company conducts research between different demographics like age groups from 24-35 and 36-45 on a new range launch of autumn wear. If one of those groups doesn’t take too well to the new launch, this provides an insight into what clothes are like and what are not and the ones that are not, are dropped.

Question:

What data trends you think need to be measured? What will be your different demographics?

·         Conduct comparisons: Organizations also use descriptive research to understand how different groups respond to a certain product or service. For example, an apparel brand creates a survey asking general questions that measure the brands image. The same survey also asks demographic questions like age, income, gender, geographical location etc. This consumer research helps the organization understand what aspects of the brand appeal to the population and what aspects do not. It also helps in making product or marketing fixes or in some cases even create a new product line just to cater to a high growth potential, group.

Question:

Suppose you are hired by a king to understand how different groups respond to a certain characteristics? What kinds of questions you will ask? And then what kinds of fictions will you create? Or what you will over play and down play?  

Suppose you are hired by a king to understand how people respond to a certain characteristics? What kinds of questions you will ask? And then what kinds of fictions will you create? Or what you will over play and down play? 

·         Validate existing conditions: Descriptive research is widely used to help ascertain the prevailing conditions and underlying patterns of the research object. Due to the non invasive method of research and the use of  quantitative observation and some aspects of qualitative observation, each variable is observed and an in-depth analysis can be concluded. It is also used to validate any existing conditions that maybe prevalent in a population.

·         Conduct research at different times: To ascertain if there are any similarities or differences, the research can be conducted at different periods of times. This also allows any number of variables to be evaluated. For the purpose of verification, studies on prevailing conditions can also be repeated to draw trends.

Descriptive Research Methods

There are 3 distinctive methods to conduct descriptive research. They are:

Observational Method

The observational method is the most effective method to conduct descriptive research and both quantitative observation and qualitative observation are used in this research method.

Quantitative observation is the objective collection of data which is primarily focused on numbers and values –  it suggests “associated to, of or depicted in terms of a quantity”. Results of quantitative observation are derived using statistical and numerical analysis methods. It implies observation of any entity that can be associated with a numeric value such as age, shape, weight, volume, scale etc. For example, the researcher can track if current customers will refer the brand by using a simple Net Promoter Score question.

Question: 

What will be your objective collection of data? What will you track? Or observe?

Qualitative observation doesn’t involve measurements or numbers but instead just monitoring characteristics. In this case the researcher observes the respondents from a distance. Since the respondents are in a comfortable environment, the characteristics observed are natural and effective. In descriptive research, the researcher can chose to be either a complete observer, an observer as a participant, a participant as an observer or a complete participant. For example, in a supermarket, a researcher can from a far monitor and track the selection and purchasing trends of the customers. This offers a deeper insight into the purchasing experience of the customer. Question:    

What will be your qualitative observation? 

Survey Research

In survey research, respondents answer through surveys or questionnaires, or polls. They are a popular market research tool to collect feedback from respondents. In order for a survey to gather good quality data, it should have good survey questions, which should be a balanced mix of open-ended questions and close ended-questions. The survey method can be conducting online or offline which is makes it the go-to option for descriptive research where the sample size is very large.

Examples of Descriptive Research

Some examples of descriptive research are:

1. A speciality food group launching a new range of barbecue rubs would like to understand what flavors of rubs are favored by different sets of people. To understand the preferred flavor palette, they conduct a descriptive research study using different methods like observational methods in supermarkets. By also conducting a survey whilst collecting in-depth demographic information, offers insights about the preference of different markets. This can also help tailor make the rubs and spreads to different preferred meats in that demographic. Conducting a thorough descriptive research helps the organization tweak their business model and amplify marketing in core markets.

Question: 

Imagine you have done a descriptive research and you need to tweak the model of a king. What might possible be the findings of your research? 

2. Another example of where descriptive research can be used is if a school district that wishes to evaluate teachers attitudes about using technology in the classroom. By conducting surveys and observing their comfortableness using technology through observational methods, the researcher can gauge what  can help understand if a full-fledged implementation can face an issues. This also helps in understanding if the students are impacted in any way with this change.

Some other problems and/or research questions that can lead to descriptive research are:

·         Market researchers that want to observe habits of consumers.

·         A company that wants to evaluate the morale of its staff.

·         A school district that wants to understand if students will access online lessons rather than textbooks.

·         An organization to understand if its wellness programs increase the overall health of the employees

 

Advantages of Descriptive Research

Some of the major advantages of descriptive research are:

·         Data collection: 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. This can be used for future research or even developing hypothesis of your research object.

·         Varied: Since the data collected is both qualitative and quantitative, it gives a holistic understanding of a research topic. This causes data that was not planned to be collected gets tracked and the data is varied, diverse and thorough.

·         Natural environment: 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.

·         Quick to conduct and cheap: As the sample size is generally large in descriptive research, the data collection is quick to conduct and is cheap.

·         Forms basis for decision-making: As the data collected in descriptive research represents a larger population and is robust, it is easy to make decisions on the basis of the statistical analysis of that data.

Disadvantages of Descriptive Research

Some of the major disadvantages of descriptive research are:

·         Confidentiality: Respondents aren’t always truthful if questions are too personal or they feel that they are being “watched”. This may negate the validity of the data.

·         Halo effect: If the research observer has a potential bias towards the research topic or some respondents in the research, the observations then maybe considered as invalid or untrue.

·         Sample isn’t representative: Due to the randomness of the sample, it is very tough to validate that the sample is an accurate representation of the whole population.

·         No scope to learn cause: Since descriptive research only focuses on the “what” of an objective or phenomenon, it does not delve into the “why or how” and that is a limitation in learning specific causes.

 

Example of a research problem definition

By Bas Swaen

(Bas is co-founder of Scribbr. Bas loves to teach and is an experienced thesis writer. He tries to help students with writing clear and easy to comprehend articles about difficult topics.)

Your definition of a problem should serve as the basis for formulating a problem statement and objective. Thereafter you can move on to identifying your main research question.

The below example of a problem definition relates to a dissertation that explores a practical problem. It has been written using our guide to writing a problem definition.

Example: Problem definition

Background and context
The director of a primary school in London has asked for a fourth-year student from a teacher training college who could investigate opportunities for gifted students who need more challenges. An earlier survey conducted among these students’ parents/guardians has revealed that many of these children are bored and that about half of them no longer like going to school.

Background
The British Ministry of Education has paid a great deal of attention to this issue in recent years [explain with sources]. The school has already implemented several related measures, such as enriching the curricula for compulsory subjects. A survey conducted by a university student in 2014 revealed that the children are indeed being challenged more, although the teachers are still struggling to deal with the issue. In particular, the teachers find it difficult to identify gifted students and provide appropriate counseling. The literature shows that [explain with sources].

Scope and relevance
The study focuses on the relationship between teachers and students; factors such as the home environment and peers are not taken into account. The results are relevant to society as teachers will receive practical tools that enable them to better guide gifted students. In turn, the students will feel better and perform at a higher level in school.

Problem statement
The teachers at this primary school do not have the skills they need to recognize or properly guide gifted students.

Objective
The aim of the research is to determine how teachers’ skills can be improved in order to better recognize and assist gifted students.

 

Read a paragraph from ‘Research Assignment #20’ below:

‘People are suffocated and robbed because royals and henchmen are the obtrusive reminders with and without appearing obtrusive; imbibing and relishing not only the every savour of life but also every opportunity to flex muscles to muscle in and trample’. 

Task: Read now the problem definition given by By Bas Swaen and replace the words ‘earlier survey’ with the words ‘ an essay of research assignment 20’ then write   Background and context of Problem definition.

Read scope and relevance by By Bas Swaen

Task: write scope and relevance for your research.

Read problem statement by By Bas Swaen and write a problem statement for your research.

Read objective by By Bas Swaen and write the objective for your research.

Descriptive research

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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. For example, the periodic table categorizes the elements. Scientists use knowledge about the nature of electrons, protons and neutrons to devise this categorical scheme. We now take for granted the periodic table, yet it took descriptive research to devise it.

Descriptive research generally precedes explanatory research. For example, over time the periodic table’s description of the elements allowed scientists to explain chemical reaction and make sound prediction when elements were combined.

Hence, descriptive research cannot describe what caused a situation. Thus, descriptive research cannot be used as the basis of a causal relationship, where one variable affects another. In other words, descriptive research can be said to have a low requirement for internal validity.

The description is used for frequencies, averages and other statistical calculations. Often the best approach, prior to writing descriptive research, is to conduct a survey investigation. Qualitative research often has the aim of description and researchers may follow-up with examinations of why the observations exist and what the implications of the findings are.

 

The 3 Basic Types of Descriptive Research Methods

By Jamie Hale, M.S.
Last updated: 8 Jul 2018

 One of the goals of science is description (other goals include prediction and explanation).  Descriptive research methods are pretty much as they sound — they describe situations. They do not make accurate predictions, and they do not determine cause and effect.

There are three main types of descriptive methods: observational methods, case-study methods and survey methods. This article will briefly describe each of these methods, their advantages, and their drawbacks. This may help you better understand research findings, whether reported in the mainstream media, or when reading a research study on your own.

Observational Method

With the observational method (sometimes referred to as field observation) animal and human behavior is closely observed.  There are two main categories of the observational method — naturalistic observation and laboratory observation. 

The biggest advantage of the naturalistic method of research is that researchers view participants in their natural environments.  This leads to greater ecological validity than laboratory observation, proponents say.  

Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research can be used in real-life situations. 

Proponents of laboratory observation often suggest that due to more control in the laboratory, the results found when using laboratory observation are more meaningful than those obtained with naturalistic observation. 

Laboratory observations are usually less time-consuming and cheaper than naturalistic observations.   Of course, both naturalistic and laboratory observation are important in regard to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Survey Method

In survey method research, participants answer questions administered through interviews or questionnaires.  After participants answer the questions, researchers describe the responses given. In order for the survey to be both reliable and valid it is important that the questions are constructed properly.  Questions should be written so they are clear and easy to comprehend.

Another consideration when designing questions is whether to include open-ended, closed-ended, partially open-ended, or rating-scale questions (for a detailed discussion refer to Jackson, 2009).  Advantages and disadvantages can be found with each type:

Open-ended questions allow for a greater variety of responses from participants but are difficult to analyze statistically because the data must be coded or reduced in some manner.  Closed-ended questions are easy to analyze statistically, but they seriously limit the responses that participants can give.  Many researchers prefer to use a Likert-type scale because it’s very easy to analyze statistically. (Jackson, 2009, p. 89)

In addition to the methods listed above some individuals also include qualitative (as a distinct method) and archival methods when discussing descriptive research methods.   

It is important to emphasize that descriptive research methods can only describe a set of observations or the data collected. It cannot draw conclusions from that data about which way the relationship goes — Does A cause B, or does B cause A?

Unfortunately, in many studies published today, researchers forget this fundamental limitation of their research and suggest their data can actually demonstrate or “suggest” causal relationships. Nothing could be further from the truth.

References

Jackson, S.L. (2009).  Research Methods and Statistics:  A Critical Thinking Approach 3rd edition.  Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Question:

Will you use close-ended or open ended questions? Remember you have read in assignment 20 that terror is the order of the day in a country.

Types of Research Questions

There are three types of research questions: descriptive, Observational-Relational, and Causal.

The Descriptive Question

As the name suggests, the descriptive question describes conditions that are happening or characteristics that exist.  Answering a descriptive question relies a great deal on the observational skills of the researcher. The researcher may even have to employ unusual observational tools or techniques to gather their information. Through these skills, it is hoped to discover something that has never been described before.

Examples include:       

• What are the products created from the digestion of lactose?
• What environment factors cause pillbugs to employ their survival techniques?
• What is the mating territorial range of a Pacific gray whale?
What is the density of galena when present in the mantle?

Question:

Write descriptive questions to discover something that has not been described by an essay.

Write descriptive questions to discover on your own things described by an essay.

 

Observational- Relational- Question

Observational-Relational question examines the question of whether two or more variables affect, or do not affect, each other under a given set of circumstances.  

Examples include:                                     

• If two orbiting objects are traveling at the same speed, does that necessarily mean that they are being acted upon with the same amount of gravitational force?
If two cattle are kept under similar conditions and are fed the same amount of cattle feed, will they reliably and predictably gain the same amount of weight?
Do two similar size samples of sodium react with water in a similar manner when all other variables are kept consistent?                          

 Write Observational-Relational question to discover on your own that has been described by an essay.

                             

Causal: Cause and Effect

Attempts to determine if changing one variable in a known and or contained habitat has a measurable effect on another variable or set of variables within that same area or habitat.

Examples of Causal Research Questions:

• Does an increase in the average temperature in their environmental niche effect the start date of the annual southerly migration of ruby throated hummingbirds?
• Does the total mass of a sample of sodium effect the speed at which it completely reacts with water?
• Does the mass of an object orbiting a gravitational center effect the speed at which the object revolves around it?

Question:

Write Causal Research Questions to determine if changing one variable in a country ruled by a king has a measurable effect on another variable or set of variables within that same area or habitat.