DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH DESIGN
Subject: Research Methodology for Business
Submitted To: Mr. MRP Singh sir
Submitted by: Anuj Manatwal
Enrollment No.- 2020MBA007
INTRODUCTION
Descriptive research methods are used when the
researcher wants to describe specific behavior as it
occurs in the environment. There are a variety of
descriptive research methods available, the nature of the
question that needs to be answered drives which method
is used. It does not answer questions about
how/when/why the characteristics occurred. Rather it
addresses the "what" question (what are the
characteristics of the population or situation being
studied?).
The characteristics used to describe the situation or
population are usually some kind of categorical scheme
also known as descriptive categories. Eg: Periodic Table.
Nature of Descriptive Research
Descriptive research is designed for the investigator to gather information
about present existing conditions.
Descriptive research involves collection of data in order to test the
hypothesis or to answer questions concerning the current status of the
subject of the study.
Descriptive study determines and reports the way things are. It has no
control over what is, and it can only measure what already exist.
Descriptive research has been criticized for its inability to control
variables, for being a post-hoc study and for more frequently yielding only
descriptive rather than predictive, findings.
Aim of Descriptive Research
The principal aims in employing descriptive research are
to describe the nature of a situation as it exists at the
time of the study and to explore the causes of particular
phenomena. (Travers, 1978)
Descriptive Research seeks to tell “what exists” or “what
is” about a certain educational phenomenon. Accurate
observations and assessments arise from data that
ascertain the nature and incidence of prevailing
conditions, practices or description of object, process,
and person who are all objects of the study.
PROCESS
Six steps in conducting descriptive research
1. Identify problem
2. Review literature
3. Select participants and instruments
4. Collect valid and reliable data
5. Analyze data
6. Report conclusions
FEATURES
Descriptive research is used to observe, document and
describe a phenomenon occurring in its natural setting
without any manipulation or control.
Descriptive research is designed to gain more
information about characteristics within a select or a
particular field of study.
Descriptive research provide a picture of a situation as it
occurs in natural setting.
METHODS
OBSERVATIONAL METHOD
The observational method is the most effective method
to conduct this research, and researchers make use of both
quantitative and qualitative observations.
CASE STUDY METHOD
Case studies involve in-depth research and study of
individuals or groups. Case studies lead to a hypothesis and
widen a further scope of studying a phenomenon.
SURVEY METHOD
In survey research, respondents answer through surveys or
questionnaires or polls. They are a popular market research
tool to collect feedback from respondents.
EXAMPLE
This research can be used is if a school district
wishes to evaluate teachers attitudes about using
technology in the classroom. By conducting
surveys and observing their comfortableness using
technology through observational methods, the
researcher can gauge what they can help
understand if a full-fledged implementation can
face an issue. This also helps in understanding if
the students are impacted in any way with this
change.
IMPORTANCE
For scientific basis of judgement. This means that
descriptive research provides information which could
be used as basis for important decisions that are to be
made.
For a closer look into happenings, behavior, practice,
methods and procedures. Descriptive research provides
essential facts and understanding about the nature of
anything.
For the formation of construction of test analysis of
these standardization of tools instruments used in
research.
COMMON ERROR
Lack of participant response
Low response rates are common
Difficulties interpreting the findings without the data
representing non-respondents’ views.
Unclear/ambiguous items
Researcher needs to develop recording forms that collect
the data objectively and reliably
THANK YOU
