Section 1: Descriptive Studies

Definition: A descriptive study is one in which information is collected without

changing the environment (i.e., nothing is manipulated).

A descriptive study is one in which information is collected without changing the

environment (i.e., nothing is manipulated). Sometimes these are referred to as "
correlational " or " observational " studies. The Office of Human Research
Protections (OHRP) defines a descriptive study as "Any study that is not truly
experimental." In human research, a descriptive study can provide information about
the naturally occurring health status, behavior, attitudes or other characteristics
of a particular group. Descriptive studies are also conducted to demonstrate
associations or relationships between things in the world around you.

Descriptive studies can involve a one-time interaction with groups of people

(cross-sectional study),

Cross-sectional study: Group 1, 2 and 3, compared at the same time

or a study might follow individuals over time (longitudinal study).

Longitudinal studyLongitudinal study

Descriptive studyDescriptive studies, in which the researcher interacts with the

participant, may involve surveys or interviews to collect the necessary
information.Descriptive study

Descriptive studies in which the researcher does not interact with the participant
include observational studies of people in an environment (e.g., "fly on the wall")
and studies involving data collection using existing records (e.g., medical record
review).

Case Example For A Descriptive Study

Descriptive Study: Cross-sectional, Longitudinal, Observation, Existing recordsA

researcher wants to know why individuals in Community A have a higher rate of a
rare form of cancer when compared to those living in Community B. To find out the
reasons for the differences in cancer rates in these two communities, the
investigator surveyed residents about their lifestyle, noted the types of
businesses that were present in the community and searched medical records. The
researcher found that the headquarters for the Toxico Chemical Plant is located in
Community A, there is a higher rate of cigarette smoking in this community and
residents tended to delay or skip going to the doctor for an annual checkup. In
Community B, the largest employer was a department store and on average, residents
did not smoke as much as residents from Community A. However, like individuals from
Community A, Community B residents tended to delay or skip their annual checkup
with their doctor.

Descriptive Study: Awareness ribbons, Toxico chemical plant, Residental area