Descriptive research: observation, surveys, and case studies

Defining Descriptive Research

Descriptive research is a method designed to systematically investigate a person, a group, or patterns of behavior.

This approach to research includes three main methods, which are naturalistic observation, surveys, and case studies.

Each of these methods offers us a different way of gathering information and describing phenomena as they occur in reality.

Unlike experimental research, the objective here is not to establish a cause-and-effect relationship, but simply to describe a situation or behavior.

Naturalistic Observation

Naturalistic observation is research in which the observer simply records naturally occurring behavior without intervening.

The great advantage of this method is that it allows us to obtain a sample of what people do in their "natural habitat."

However, its main disadvantage is the inability to control any of the factors of interest, since no variables are manipulated.

Furthermore, if people know they are being observed, they may alter their reactions, producing behavior that is not truly representative.

Surveys as a Tool of Inquiry

In survey research, a sample of people, chosen to represent a larger group, are asked about their behavior.

To ensure accurate results, researchers take pains to ensure that the sample is representative of the population of interest, often through random sampling.

One of the major drawbacks is that respondents may not want to admit that they hold attitudes that are socially undesirable, altering their answers.

Furthermore, if the sample is not truly representative, the results may be inaccurate and cannot be generalized to the larger group.

The Case Study: An In-Depth Analysis

Unlike a survey, a case study is an investigation th