Research in

Education
(RES 310)
Descriptive
Research
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Decriptive Research
➜ It describes what is. It involves the description,
recording, analysis, and interpretation of the
present time, composition or processes of
phenomena.
➜ It is fact-finding with adequate interpretation.
➜ It is concerned with conditions of relationships
that exists; practices that prevail, beliefs,
processes that are going on; effects that are being
felt, or trends that are developing.
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Descripitive research is a purposive

process of gathering, analyzing,
classifying, and tabulating data
about prevailing conditions,
practices, beliefs, processes, trends,
and cause-effect relationships and
then making adequate and accurate
interpretation about such data with
or without the aid of statistical
method.
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Characteristic of a Descriptive Research

1. Descriptive research ascertains prevailing conditions of facts in a

group or case under study.
2. It gives either a qualitative or quantitative, or both, description of
general characteristics of the group or case under study.
3. What caused the prevailing condition is mostly not emphasized.
4. Comparisons of the characteristics of two groups or cases may be
made to determine their similarities and differences.
5. The variables or conditions studied are not usually controlled.
6. Descriptive studies, except in case studies, are generally cross-
sectional.
7. Studies on prevailing conditions may or can be repeated for
purposes of verification and comparison.
Techniques Under
the Descriptive
Method of
Research
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There are three

techniques under the
descriptive method of
reseach: (1) the survey,
(2) the case study, and
(3) the content analysis.
 Survey Vs. Case Study
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Case study is a
comprehensive, complete,
Survey, otherwise known as detailed, and in-depth study
normative survey, is a fact and analysis of an individual,
finding study with adequate institution, group, or
and accurate interpretation. It community.
is used demographic data
about people's behaviour,
practices, intentions,
attitudes, opinions,
judgments, interests,
perceptions, and then such
data are analysed, organized,
and interpreted.
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SURVEY CASE STUDY

Case study may involve and usually involves one
The group surveyed is usually large.
person, family, small group, or small community.
The number of aspects or variables in the life of Usually all aspects or variables in the life cycle of the
the group surveyed is limited. case under study are included.
Cause-effect relationships are not given
Finding the causes of certain phenomena is always a
emphasis. Aim of a study may only be to
part of a case study.
determine status.
Representativeness is not important. The results of a
Representativeness is important and is given
single case study do not provide certainty that the case
emphasis.
is truly representative.
Curiosity, interest, or just to determine norm or Abnormalities or undesirable traits or conditions usually
status may initiate a survey. initiate a case study.
Only conditions or practices present during the
survey are considered except in comparative Data about the case from birth or origin or even of the
studies when present conditions are compared future are considered.
with conditions in the past.
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Advantages Of The
Survey Approach Over
The Case Study Approach
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Advantages Of The Survey Approach Over The Case
Study Approach
➜ Survey reveals what is typical, average, or normal against which
the behaviour or performance of an individual can be judged or
evaluated.
➜ The results of a survey may be used for prediction. This is
especially true in correlation studies or even in status studies.
➜ Survey makes possible the formulation of generalizations
because the sample has a high degree of representativeness.
➜ Survey reveals problems for which timely remedial measures
may be instituted.
➜ It is easy to get respondents for a survey.
➜ The instruments for gathering data are easy to determine,
construct, validate, and administer.
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Disadvantages of the
Survey Approach
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Disadvantages of the Survey Approach

➜ Lack of manipulation over independent variables.

➜ One cannot progressively investigate one aspect after another of
the independent variable to get closer to the real cause.
➜ Statistical devices are not always able to separate the effects of
several independent variables when there is multivariable
causation, especially when two independent variables are
themselves highly associated.
➜ Survey approach yields a low degree of control or there is no
control at all over extraneous variables.
➜ The instrument for gathering data may lack validity, reliability or
adequacy.
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types of the Survey

Approach
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1. Total population survey 11. Long-term survey
2. Sample survey 12. Longitudinal survey
3. Social survey 13. Cross-sectional
4. School survey survey

5. Public opinion survey 14. Job analysis survey

6. Poll survey 15. Community survey

7. Market survey 16. Correlation survey

8. Evaluation survey
9. Comparative Survey
10. Short-term survey
 Case Study
and Case Work
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CASE STUDY
➜ Case study involves a comprehensive and
extensive examination of a particular individual,
group or situation over a period of time.
➜ A comprehensive study of a social unit - be that
unit a person, a social institution, a group, a
district, or a community.
➜ A method which takes account of all pertinent
aspects of one thing or situation, considering all
aspects as a one single unit.
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“ an extensive and intensive

investigation of a unit
represented which aimed to
identify causal factors and to
find and recommend a solution,
a treatment, or developmental
procedures.
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CASE WORK
➜ Refers to the developmental, adjustment,
remedial, or corrective procedures that
appropriately follow diagnosis of the causes of
maladjustment or of favourable development.
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Information needed in case studies:

1. Demographic profile
2. Identification and statement of the
problem
3. Health and developmental history
4. Family History
5. Educational History
6. Social History
7. Economic History
8. Psychological History
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The cycle of Case Study and Case Work

1. Recognition and determination of the status of the phenomenon.

2. Collecting of data relating to the factors or circumstances
associated with the given phenomenon.
3. Diagnosis or identification of causal factors as basis for remedial
and developmental treatment.
4. Application of remedial and adjustment measures.
5. Subsequent follow-ups to determine the effectiveness of the
corrective or developmental measures applied.