One of the most common types of quantitative research is descriptive research. Descriptive research design is a type of research methodology that aims to provide a detailed and accurate description of a phenomenon, event, situation, or group without manipulating variables or attempting to establish causation. It is primarily concerned with answering “what,” “who,” “where,” and “how” questions.
Some key characteristics of descriptive research
- Objective Observation
- No manipulation
- Cross-sectional or Longitudinal
- Large and Diverse Samples
- Statistical Analysis
- Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Steps in conducting Descriptive Research
Conducting descriptive research involves several key steps. It ensures that the data collected accurately describes the phenomenon or group being studied.
Identify the research Topic
Descriptive research helps in the description of the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of individuals and their perceptions. Typically, current trends and issues are followed in descriptive research. Specifically, educational issues usually comprise changes in curriculum, instruction, assessment, leadership, etc. These topics are discussed in descriptive research because they continuously change.
Conducting a review of literature
The review of literature in descriptive research is done to examine past literature and extend current knowledge on the topic. Furthermore, it helps to learn what questions have been examined and what groups have been studied. Lastly, it examines what instruments have been developed and used. Furthermore, it helps the researcher develop the survey and design the study.
Define the research Objectives
Descriptive research clearly defines the purpose and objectives of our survey.
What specific information are we trying to gather?
What questions do we want to answer?
Development of Research Questions
Descriptive research is a type of quantitative research that starts with research questions developed on the basis of a review of related literature.The characteristics of descriptive research are described through research questions.
Selection of research survey method
The researcher has to choose the appropriate descriptive research method. It could be online surveys, paper questionnaires, phone interviews, face-to-face interviews, or a combination of these. These methods are based on our research objectives and target audience.
Design the survey instrument
In descriptive research, a well-structured survey questionnaire or interview script with clear, concise, and unbiased questions is created. It ensures that the questions are relevant to our research objectives.
Pilot test the survey
Before administering the survey to our target participants, the researcher conducts a pilot test with a small group of individuals. For this purpose he or she identifies and addresses any issues with the questionnaire’s clarity, wording, or flow.
Select the sample or participants.
We’ll define our target population and select a representative sample from it. For this purpose he or she considers factors like sample size, sampling technique (random, stratified, convenience, etc.), and sampling frame.
Administer the Research
After piloting, a researcher decides how to administer the survey. To that end, he or she chooses how to manage the study. Control the overview for our chosen test, following our chosen strategy. Guarantee that we gather reactions in a predictable and, furthermore, normalized way. The specialist genuinely must examine the course of organization and overview.
Data collection
We’ll gather reactions and record the information deliberately. We might involve different apparatuses for information.
Data analysis and interpretation of survey results
Gather reactions and record the information deliberately. You might use different devices for information.
Report findings
Present the discoveries in a reasonable and coordinated way, utilizing tables, outlines, diagrams, and stories.
We’ll address our examination targets and any pertinent experiences or examples found in the information.
Draw conclusion
In light of the examination of study information, we’ll reach determinations that portray the peculiarity or bunch being scrutinized. We’ll talk about the ramifications of our discoveries.
Share Outcomes
We’ll impart the aftereffects of our review to your target group, whether it’s inside our
association, to general society, or in scholar or expert settings.
Consider ethical consideration
We’ll guarantee that we have adhered to moral rules for review research, including acquiring informed assent from members, safeguarding their protection, and utilizing the information just for the planned reason.
Review and Refine
Consider regions for development in future overviews or exploration attempts. We’ll think about the
overview interaction and results
Archive Data
We’ll properly archive and document the survey data and related materials for future reference or replication by other researchers.
Evaluation of descriptive survey Research
A descriptive survey involves assessing research quality, validity, and reliability to ensure that the gathered information accurately represents the phenomenon or group under investigation.
Evaluating a descriptive survey is essential to determining the credibility and usefulness of the gathered information. Rigorous evaluation helps ensure that the survey accurately represents the researched phenomenon or group and can be relied upon for decision-making or further research.
Key aspects for evaluating a descriptive survey:
Random selection from the population:
This type of research uses the random selection of a sample from a large population.
Pilot Test of the Survey:
To conduct the pilot study, a small group is surveyed. The sample is selected either randomly or convenience.
Modifications to the survey:
As a result of the piloting process, the researcher should discuss changes made to the original survey.
Establishing validity
The explanation of content validity is also explained by the researcher. This explanation is made along with the process of conducting the pilot study.
Content validity: Evaluate whether the survey questions and items effectively measure the constructs or aspects you intended to study. Ensure that the questions are clear, relevant, and comprehensive.
Construct Validity: Assess whether the survey accurately measures the underlying constructs or variables of interest. Use techniques like factor analysis to check for the internal consistency of items.
Criterion Validity: If applicable, determine if the survey results correlate with external criteria or benchmarks that are relevant to your research.
Reliability:
Test-retest reliability: If applicable, determine if the survey results correlate with external criteria or benchmarks that are relevant to your research.
Internal consistency Reliability: Use statistical measures like Cronbach’s alpha to assess the internal consistency of the survey items. High internal consistency indicates that the items are measuring the same underlying construct.
Methods for survey administration
The analyst really must talk about the course of organization of the overview to the respondents, for example, by email, mail, and so on.
Sampling Quality
Audit the testing strategies and systems to guarantee that they are suitable for your
research targets. Evaluate, assuming that the example is illustrative of the objective populace.
Think about the likely predispositions in the example, for example, the non-reaction predisposition, and assess the means taken to limit them.
Data collection process
Analyze the information assortment process for adherence to normalized techniques. Guarantee that information was gathered reliably and consistently from all members.
Check for any expected wellsprings of blunder or predisposition in the information assortment process and evaluate the means taken to relieve them.
Data Analysis:
Survey the measurable procedures utilized for information examination. Guarantee that suitable techniques were applied to sum up and decipher the information.
Response Rate:
The specialist must talk about the pace of reaction from the members in the review. It is essential to take note that under half of the reaction rate is scrutinized. The best reaction rate is 70% or above
Methods used for improving response rate
If the response rate is less than 50%, then the researcher should conduct a second convenient survey method to increase it.
Ethical consideration:
Ensure that ethical guidelines were followed throughout the survey process, including obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their privacy, and using the data only for its intended purpose.
Reporting and Consideration:
Assess how the survey findings are reported and presented. Ensure that the results are presented clearly and comprehensively, using appropriate visual aids if necessary.
Consider whether the conclusions drawn from the survey data are supported by the evidence presented.
Peer Review:
If the survey is part of academic or research work, consider submitting it for peer review by experts in the field. Peer review helps ensure the quality and validity of the survey methodology and findings.
Feedback and Review
Collect feedback from respondents and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement in future surveys. Use this feedback to refine your survey design and methodology.