RESEARCH DESIGN

Green and tull define research design as “the specification of techniques and processes for

obtaining the information required. It is the over-all operational pattern or framework of the

project which states what data is to be gathered from which source by what processes” according

to Green, Paul and Tull, Donald <http://universalteacher.com/1/definition-of-research-design/>.

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 Minnesota state population or
situation being studied?) [1] 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.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descriptive_research

Descriptive research does not fit neatly into the definition of either
quantitative or qualitative research methodologies, but instead it can utilize
elements of both, often within the same study. The term descriptive research
refers to the type of research question, design, and data analysis that will be
applied to a given topic. Descriptive statistics tell what is, while inferential
statistics try to determine cause and effect.
http://www.aect.org/edtech/ed1/41/41-01.html

A descriptive study is one in which information is collected without changing the environment (i.e.,
nothing is manipulated). It is used to obtain information concerning the current status of the
phenomena to describe "what exists" with respect to variables or conditions in a situation. The
methods involved range from the survey which describes the status quo, the correlation study which
investigates the relationship between variables, to developmental studies which seek to determine
changes over time.

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_do_we_mean_by_Descriptive_Research
 DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

This type of research describes what exists and may help

to uncover new facts and meaning.
The purpose of descriptive research is to
 observe
 describe
 document
aspects of a situation as it naturally occurs (Polit &
Hungler 1999)
This involves the collection of data that will provide an
account or description of individuals, groups or situations.
Instruments we use to obtain data in descriptive studies
include
 questionnaires
 interviews (closed questions)
 observation (checklists, etc.)
There is no experimental manipulation or indeed any
random selection to groups, as there is in experimental
research.

The characteristics of individuals and groups such as

nurses, patients and families may be the focus of
descriptive research. It can provide a knowledge base
which can act as a springboard for other types of
quantitative research methods.
Reference: Polit D.F., Hungler B.P. (1999) Nursing Research: Principles and
Methods (6th Ed.) Philadelphia, Lippincott

http://www.health.herts.ac.uk/immunology/Web%20programme%20-
%20Researchhealthprofessionals/descriptive_research1.htm