MODULE 5

DESCRIPTIVE
RESEARCH
DESIGN
PRESENTED BY: GROUP 5
Objectives
A
Enumerate the different descriptive research
designs.

B
Choose the appropriate descriptive design for
a given situation.

C
Appreciate the importance of research in policy
making.
Key Concepts
When conducting a research, it is important for
researchers to identify the correct structure to be used
in gathering data. This structure, or design, should be in
conjunction with the objectives of the study. In
research, We call this structure as the research design.
In this module, we will talk about the different
descriptive research designs, A key characteristic of
these designs is the lack of manipulation of an
independent variable and a subsequent test in that
effect to a dependent variable; essentially an
experiment. All of the designs we will learn will focus on
getting the status quo, or current situation of things.
 Introduction
Traffic situation is tremendously worse today as compared to, let us say, twenty
years, How do we know whether a certain system is working or not? How do we know
the current demographics of our society? The obvious answer is research but there is
more to it than simply that word. We call this structure as the research design.

A Descriptive Research aims to define the current situation without changing

or manipulating an independent, intervening, or other extraneous variables.
A key characteristic of these designs is the lack of manipulation of an
independent variable and a subsequent test in that effect to a dependent
variable; essentially an experiment.
There are surveys aimed to express the current situation. There are research
aimed to evaluate a popular opinion. Clearly, these kinds of research is valuable
to human society.
Describing the present situation will uncover more problems that needs to be
solved.
What is
Descriptive
Research Designs?
Descriptive Research Design

Descriptive research design is a type of research design that

aims to obtain information to systematically describe a
phenomenon, situation, or population. More specifically, it
helps answer the what, when, where, and how questions
regarding the research problem, rather than the why.
The descriptive research design involves using a range of
qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data
that aids in accurately describing a research problem.
The descriptive method of research can involve the use of
many different kinds of research methods to investigate the
variables in question.
What are the
Characteristics of
Descriptive Research
Design?
QUANTITATIVE IN UNCONTROLLED
NATURE VARIABLES

Descriptive research One of the most prominent

involves the collection of characteristics of descriptive
quantifiable and systematic research is that, unlike in
data that can be used for experimental research, the
the statistical analysis of variables are not controlled
or manipulated. Instead, they
the research problem.
are simply identified,
observed, and measured.
 A BASIS FOR CROSS-SECTIONAL
FURTHER RESEARCH STUDIES

The data collected

in The descriptive method of

descriptive research research is generally carried

out through cross-sectional
provides a base for further
studies. A cross-sectional
research as it helps obtain a study is a type of
comprehensive observational study that
understanding of the involves gathering information
research question so that it on a variety of variables at the
individual level at a given point
can be.
in time.
 When to use a
Descriptive Research
Design?
Descriptive research is an appropriate choice
when the research aim is to identify
characteristics, frequencies, trends, and
categories.
It is useful when not much is known yet about
the topic or problem. Before you can research
why something happens, you need to
understand how, when and where it happens.
 Why use Descriptive
Research Design?
Descriptive research allows
researchers to thoroughly
investigate the background of a research problem
before further research can be carried out.

There are many different contexts in which the use of

a descriptive research design is beneficial, including
the following:

To Measure Data Trends

To Compare Variables
To Define the Characteristics of Subjects
To Verify or Validate Existing Conditions
Advantages of
Descriptive Research
Design
Multiple Methods of Data Collection
Fast and Cost-Effective
Comprehensive
External Validity
Disadvantages of
Descriptive Research
design
Cannot Test or Verify the Research Question
Lack of Reliability
Risk of Untrue Responses
Risk of Sampling Error
 Different Descriptive Research
Designs
Descriptive survey - Research that aims to gather data regarding present conditions.
Normative survey – Research aimed to determine the normal or typical condition of a certain
body or situation.
Descriptive status – Research that deals with real facts relating to existing conditions. It describes
prevailing conditions in a group, organization, institution, or assembly.
Descriptive Analysis – A study aimed to describing nature by separating it into parts. The purpose
is to discover nature of things to determine how individual parts and units integrated into an
internal system.
Descriptive classification – In this research, care is taken so that each instance is categorized.
Descriptive comparative – Research that aim to describe a situation, system, or group by way of
their variables with the aim of establishing the connection or to determine the better one. Though
two situations are involved, no manipulation is done so as to affect the results.
 Different Descriptive Research
Designs

Correlational survey – Aims to describe A knowledge of these descriptive research

how one variable is related to another designs will enable everyone not to
one. dwell on their comfort zone. Instead, they
Descriptive Evaluative – This is used to will be perceptive as to what needs to
appraise carefully the worthiness of the be done and needs to be improved. The
idea is “there is more to it than meets
current study or system.
the eye.” Survey must be done. A research
Longitudinal Survey – Research done
must be carried out.
over a certain period of time.
Steps to Conduct a
Descriptive Research
Design Study
Steps

Outline the Research Outline the Objectives Determine the Tools and Define​​Target Population
Problem of the Study Techniques to be used and Sample Group

Clearly outline the Identify and outline the You will have to identify The target population is
statement of your research objectives of your research, which tools and techniques the group of individuals
problem. and then translate these are relevant and valid to that you are examining in
objectives into criteria of your study. your research study.
investigation.
Steps

Select a Method for Analyze the Data Write the Report Successful Descriptive
Data Collection Collected Research Design Study

You must have a clear plan You will have to evaluate all It is important that you You've successfully
of how your data will be the data collected from all keep in mind the focus of completed a Descriptive
collected. your different sources, the investigation. The Research Design Study.
quantify and qualify them. report must be precise and
objective-oriented.
 Take Note
Descriptive research aims to define the current situation as it is. No variable is manipulated or
tested to see its effect on another variable. Research that falls under this category answer the
questions what, when, where and how while leaving out the question why.
Research is an important part of improvement. Ever wonder why big companies and
conglomerates invest heavily in their R & D Department? From the word itself Research and
Development. Research is always tied to development. And even in terms of policy making,
research is important. How would legislators know what the people needs in terms of
transportation? Research. How would the senators know what problems need to be addressed in
food production? Research. How would local representatives know what their constituents need in
education? Research. It all boils down in one word - RESEARCH
Research is to see what everybody else
has seen, and to think what nobody
else has thought.
- Harper Lee
 MODULE 5 QUIZ
Give the Characteristics of Descriptive Research Design

1.
2.
3.
4.

Give the Advantages of Descriptive Research Design

5.
6.
7.
8.

Give the Disadvantages of Descriptive Research Design

9.
10.
11.
12.
Identify the Descriptive Research Design used in the given situation.

13. A student aims to classify flora and fauna found in the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges.

14. SDO-Mandaluyong wishes to test the skills of its public school teachers by a team using a skills inventory test.

15. A teacher used Google Meet for one class and Zoom for another to conduct his synchronous sessions. Their
performance is compared with each other.

16. SDO-Mandaluyong HR Division wishes to analyze the service of each teacher. Each school is divided into
departments, subject area and year level. A questionnaire is used to compare the performance of each teacher with the
same position, grade level, and job description.

17. A researcher wants to determine the qualifications of public school teachers in Mandaluyong City.

18. The data used for mobile games of two (2) classes are compared to their grades. The test aims to determine if there
is a relationship between grades and amount of mobile games data usage.

19. A survey about the effectiveness of using Online Distance Learning in delivering the K-12 Basic Education Curriculum.

20. A school surveyed the current internet connection its teachers, then their stress level will be evaluated and
compared to their performance.
 ANSWER KEY
1. Quantitative in nature 16. Descriptive analysis
2. Uncontrolled variable 17. Descriptive survey
3. A basis for further research 18. Correlational survey
4. Cross-sectional studies 19. Descriptive evaluative
20. Descriptive status
5. Multiple methods of data collection
6. Fast and cost effective
7. Comprehensive
8. External Validity

9. Cannot test or verify the research question

10. Lack of Reliability
11. Risk of untrue responses
12. Risk of sampling error

13. Descriptive classification

14. Normative survey
15. Descriptive comparative