 In descriptive research, you simply seek an overall summary of your study

variables.
 In correlational research, you investigate relationships between your study
variables.
 In experimental research, you systematically examine whether there is a cause-
and-effect relationship between variables.

Descriptive research is a quantitative research method that attempts to

collect quantifiable information for statistical analysis of the population
sample. It is a popular market research tool that allows us to collect and
describe the demographic segment’s nature. Descriptive research is
defined as a research method that describes the characteristics of the
population or phenomenon studied. This methodology focuses more on
the “what” of the research subject than the “why” of the research
subject.

The descriptive research method primarily focuses on describing the

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

Experimental research is a scientific approach to research, where one or more

independent variables are manipulated and applied to one or more dependent
variables to measure their effect on the latter. The effect of the independent
variables on the dependent variables is usually observed and recorded over
some time, to aid researchers in drawing a reasonable conclusion regarding the
relationship between these 2 variable types.

The experimental research method is widely used in physical and social

sciences, psychology, and education. It is based on the comparison between two
or more groups with a straightforward logic, which may, however, be difficult
to execute.

A correlational research design measures a relationship between two variables without

the researcher controlling either of them. It aims to find out whether there is either:

Positive correlation Both variables change in the As height increases, weight also increases

same direction
Negative correlation The variables change in As coffee consumption increases, tiredness decreases
opposite directions

Zero correlation There is no relationship Coffee consumption is not correlated with height

between the variables