Descriptive Research Definition
The term descriptive research is used interchangeably with the phrase descriptive study. The
descriptive research definition is research that describes the characteristics of a population.
The descriptive study definition is the study of the data that is used to examine the
relationships among variables. These relationships go about to question the what and not
the why in the research study. Therefore, conclusions from descriptive researchers are
generally used to bring about hypotheses that can be tested using more rigorous designs. In
considering what is a descriptive study, they are usually cross-sectional in that different
components or segments from the same sample populations are studied simultaneously.
Characteristics of Descriptive Research
Characteristics of a descriptive study design often include the following:
they usually have a quantitative component due to the analysis of statistical
information reflective of the population sample
research that can be conducted in the natural environments of those being studied
studies that contain uncontrolled variables- the researcher does not have a
premeditated, regulated, or measured variable- the variables come from the analysis
of the statistical data
results from the data can be used to identify a potential prevalence that can, in turn,
pinpoint a need for national services that could benefit the studied population
complete study is usually quick and inexpensive
hypothesis-generating research
Descriptive Research Examples
Example #1: A company wants to add a free month-long gym membership to its employees
as an incentive to meet quarterly company goals. The executives realize that they employ
employees of various demographic backgrounds in terms of age, gender, and physical ability.
They want to gauge if the gym membership will truly appeal enough to their employees to get
the result of more people meeting their quarterly goal. This type of descriptive design was
used to investigate how different groups will react to a new product.
Example #2: A new online program was introduced to a group of freshmen college students
to help with tutoring in math and science. The academic advisors want to track the usage
through the semester to see if the usage increases during the weeks before mid-term and final
exams or if there is consistent use of the program throughout the semester. This example is a
way to use descriptive research to track data trends.
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What is Descriptive Research Design Used For?
Descriptive research designs are used for one of five reasons. The first reason includes
conducting comparisons to gain an understanding of how various groups act in response to a
specific product or service. Demographic questions are asked to gain an understanding of
what specifically appeals to or does not appeal to the studied population. The second reason
is for measuring data trends using statistical data. Descriptive research designs can measure
and track data trends over time and revisit them to view any changing trends. Another reason
is to validate existing conditions from another study. Specific variables can be observed and
validated within a population. This is done by an in-depth study to aid in confirming
prevalent conditions as an analysis of critical statistical figures that could have been pointed
out by a previous researcher.
The fourth reason to use descriptive research is to be able to research at different times to
confirm similarities or refute differences as a way to evaluate numerous variables at various
times. These different times can be seasonal, yearly, bi-annual, etc. Lastly, descriptive
research can be used to define the characteristics of the people being studied by looking at
their demographic data. Solid conclusions regarding attitudes, opinions, likes, dislikes, etc.
can be derived about those who are being surveyed. This helps to collect specific patterns,
traits, and behaviors of those being surveyed regarding a specific phenomenon.
Descriptive research involves looking at the characteristics of a population. This can be
done by doing observations, case studies, and surveys.
Methods of Descriptive Methods
There are three distinct methods of collecting data for a descriptive research study.
Descriptive methods of research include observations, case studies, and surveys
