Descriptive Research

We explain what descriptive research is, its characteristics and methods. Also, its advantages, disadvantages and different examples.

What is descriptive research?

A descriptive research is one that aims to specify the properties of the phenomenon being studied. In this type of research, situations, events or phenomena are described to offer a clear and complete overview of the topic, which can serve as a basis for other subsequent research.

The objective of a descriptive research is provide an accurate and systematic representation of observed reality. In this it differs from exploratory research, which seeks to discover and generate initial ideas about a topic, and from analytical research, aimed at proving or refuting hypotheses.

Descriptive research answers questions such as that, who, where and whenbut does not go into because either as phenomena happen. To do this, use tools such as surveys, observations, interviews, and analysis of existing data to obtain detailed information.

See also: Types of research

Characteristics of descriptive research

The main characteristics of a descriptive research are:

• Description It focuses on detailing the properties and salient aspects of a specific phenomenon, group, or situation.
• Systematic analysis Use systematic methods to collect and analyze data in a structured way.
• Varied methodology. You can use different tools, such as surveys, interviews, direct observations and document analysis.
• Qualitative and quantitative data It can be based on both qualitative data (descriptions, opinions) and quantitative data (numbers, statistics).
• Precision. It offers a thorough description of the observed phenomena and provides precise data on characteristics, frequencies, patterns and trends.
• Basis for other investigations. Their results serve as a basis for more in-depth studies, such as explanatory or correlational research.

Descriptive research methods

The types of descriptive research are based on the methodology used to carry out the study. The choice of data collection method and approach depends on the nature of the object of study and the type of information sought. Each method provides a different perspective and uses different tools. In many cases, various methodologies are combined to achieve a more complete understanding of the topic.

Among the main methods of descriptive research are:

• Survey Data is collected through standardized questions directed at a sample of the population. It is useful to obtain information about opinions, attitudes, behaviors and characteristics of the subjects.
• Interview. Information is obtained through personal or virtual encounters with various people. It allows obtaining deeper information than a survey about the experiences, perceptions and opinions of the participants.
• direct observation. The behavior or characteristics of subjects in their natural environment are observed and recorded. It can be participant (the researcher is involved in the setting) or non-participant (the researcher remains outside the setting).
• Document analysis Existing documents are examined, such as reports, files, administrative records and other written materials. With this information, characteristics or phenomena related to the object of study are studied.
• Case study. It focuses on the analysis of a specific case (individual, group, organization, event) to provide a detailed and exhaustive description of it. It allows an in-depth study of the context and the particular characteristics of the case.
• Experimental research. An experiment is done to examine the impact of certain variables in a controlled environment and obtain accurate descriptions of the observed effects.

See also: Research techniques

When to apply descriptive research?

It is advisable to apply descriptive research when you want to:

• Analyze a novel or little-studied phenomenon.
• Deepen knowledge about an already known phenomenon.
• Compare the characteristics between different phenomena.
• Evaluate the progress of a phenomenon or monitor the progress of a process.
• Create basic knowledge that serves as a foundation for other types of studies (such as explanatory, correlational, analytical or applied research).

How to carry out descriptive research?

To carry out a descriptive research, you can follow these steps:

1. Define the object of study Identify the specific topic you want to study and what questions you want to resolve.
2. Review the bibliography Read previous studies on the topic and establish what the contribution of the new research will be.
3. Design the methodology. Define the appropriate methods to carry out the study and design the necessary instruments (such as questionnaires or observation guides).
4. Collect data Proceed to collect data with the selected methods and instruments.
5. Analyze the data. Examine the information obtained and identify characteristics, patterns, trends and fundamental elements of the object of study.
6. Interpret the results Compare the data obtained with previous information from other studies and discuss the implications of the findings in the broader context of the research topic.
7. Write a report. Present the information in writing, in a clear and organized manner, with a detailed description of the data obtained and the conclusions.

Advantages and disadvantages of descriptive research

Among the main advantages and disadvantages of descriptive research are:

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Aim	Offers detailed knowledge on new or little-studied topics.	It does not explain the causes of the phenomena.
Approach	It is flexible and allows the use of various methods.	It does not delve into the analysis of the variables of the phenomenon.
Theoretical framework	It is based on prior knowledge and facilitates the contextualization of the phenomenon.	It is not appropriate for developing new theories or models.
Applicability	Its results are easy to understand and serve as a basis for other research.	It does not produce applicable knowledge because it does not study the causes or relationships between variables.
Costs and resources	It may require less time and resources than other types of research.	Reducing costs and time can compromise the depth and quality of the study.

Examples of descriptive research

Descriptive research can cover very varied disciplines and topics. Some examples may be:

• Trend analysis. Descriptive research can be done to analyze how the use of certain social media platforms has changed. Data could be included on different age groups, the time they spend on the platforms, the type of interaction they have and the type of content they consume.
• Demographic study Descriptive research can be done on the population structure of a society with the aim of guiding public policies. The demographic characteristics of a city's population could be described, such as age, gender, educational level, occupation, income level, marital status, needs and areas of competence.
• Satisfaction survey. Descriptive research can be done to measure customer satisfaction with a specific product or service. Satisfaction levels, areas requiring improvement, and characteristics of different types of customers could be described.

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References

• Creswell, J. W. (2014). The Process of Conducting Research Using Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. In Educational Research. Planning, Conducting and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Pearson.
• Hernández Sampieri, R., Fernández Collado, C and Baptista Lucio, P. (1991). Definition of the type of research to be carried out. In Research methodology. McGraw-Hill.
• Lewis-Beck, M., Bryman, A., & Futing Liao, T. (Eds.). (2004). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. SAGE Publications.
• Mora Ledesma, M and Sepúlveda, P. (1999). What is research? In Research methodology (pp. 97-108). Limusa.
• Sabino, C. (1992). The research process. Panapo.
• Salkind, N. J. (2010). Encyclopedia of Research Design. Vol. 1. SAGE Publications.