Desciptive Research| Methodology of Descriptive Research | CHARACTERISTICS & STEPS

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
CHARACTERISTICS & STEPS

EXAMPLES OF DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH METHODS
Some distinctive characteristics of descriptive research are:
Quantitative research: Descriptive research is a quantitative research method that attempts to collect quantifiable information to be used for statistical analysis of the population sample. It aims to describe "what exists" rather than explaining why it happens.
It does not manipulate variables but observes naturally occurring phenomena.
Data can be numerical (e.g., percentages).
Common tools include questionnaires, interviews, and observations.
Descriptive research questions are designed to gather detailed information about a topic. They focus on "what," "who," "where," "when," or "how" to describe a situation, population, or phenomenon without exploring relationships or causes.
What are the most common study habits among high school students?

Who participates the most in group discussions: boys or girls?

Where do college students prefer to study: library, home, or café?

When do students perform best in exams: morning or afternoon?

How do students rate the effectiveness of online learning?

1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH Presented By : Dr. Muhammad Munsif [email protected] P.hd ( IER) Punjab University Presented to: Dr. Muhammad Shahid Farooq

2. OUTLINE WE WILL DISCUSS : DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH CHARACTERISTICS & STEPS   QUESTIONS EXAMPLES OF DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH METHODS

3. Definition: “Descriptive research is defined as a  research method  that describes the characteristics of the population or phenomenon that is being studied. This methodology focuses more on the “ what” of the research subject rather than the “why” of the research subject .”

4. Characteristics of Descriptive Research Some distinctive characteristics of descriptive research are : Quantitative research:   Descriptive research is a  quantitative research  method that attempts to collect quantifiable information to be used for statistical analysis of the population sample. It aims to describe "what exists" rather than explaining why it happens. It does not manipulate variables but observes naturally occurring phenomena . Data can be numerical (e.g., percentages). Common tools include questionnaires, interviews, and observations .

5. Steps in Descriptive Research

6. Descriptive Research Questions Descriptive research questions are designed to gather detailed information about a topic. They focus on "what," "who," "where," "when," or "how" to describe a situation, population, or phenomenon without exploring relationships or causes . What are the most common study habits among high school students ? Who participates the most in group discussions: boys or girls ? Where do college students prefer to study: library, home, or café ? When do students perform best in exams: morning or afternoon ? How do students rate the effectiveness of online learning?

7. Descriptive Research Methods Observational Method Case Study Method Survey Research There are 3 distinctive methods to conduct descriptive research. They are:

8. Observation Observational Method The observational method is the most effective method to conduct descriptive research. Quantitative observation:   Is the objective collection of data which is primarily focused on numbers and values  it suggests associated to, of or depicted in terms of a quantity .

9. Types of Observation Participant Observation: The researcher actively participates in the setting while observing. Non Participants Observation: The researcher observes from a distance without interacting with participants. Structured Observation: Observations are guided by a predefined framework or checklist. Unstructured Observation: Observations are open ended, allowing the researcher to document everything observed. Time Interval Observation: Observing and recording behavior at specific time intervals.

10. Case Study Case Study Method A case study is an in depth investigation or examination of a single case or a small number of cases. Example: Ms . Sumra 7 th grade English teacher noticed that only a few students were speaking in group discussions, while others stayed quiet . Through observation, surveys and interviews she identifies the factors contributing to disengagement and develop strategies. She gave everyone specific roles, used activities to help them prepare, and tracked participation. This made discussions more balanced, and all students felt more involved and confident and motivated.

11. Types of Case Study Exploratory Case Study: Used to explore a new and unfamiliar phenomenon or issue . For example, Investigating how students adapt to a new teaching method. Descriptive Case Study: Provides a detailed description of a Case or phenomenon in its natural context. For example, Describing how a school implemented an anti bullying policy. Explanatory Case Study: Seeks to explain underlying causes of Case or phenomenon . For example, Investigating why a school experienced a drop in student performance after curriculum changes. Collective (Multiple) Case Study: Examines several cases to understand a phenomenon or compare differences and similarities . For example, Researchers compare how different schools support students with disabilities by looking at resources, teaching methods, and special services.

12. Survey Research What is Survey Collecting data using questionnaires or interviews to understand the characteristics, behaviors, or opinions of a particular group of people. Surveys represent one of the most common types of quantitative, social science research . Survey research is the research strategy to study the relationships and characteristics of the population.

13. Why Are Surveys Conducted? To describe the characteristics of a population. Surveys are useful in many fields, like health, education, and business , to make informed decisions . The goal is to collect accurate and reliable data to answer specific research questions . Survey research provides insights to guide policies, strategies, or improvements . Example : A school conducts a survey to understand students' study habits, asking about their study hours, preferences, and challenges. Results show most students struggle with time management and prefer online resources. Based on the findings, the school offers time management workshops and more online materials.

14. Types Of Survey CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY LONGITUDINAL SURVEY

15. Cross-sectional Survey Collects information from a sample that has been drawn from a predetermined population The information is collected at just one point in time. Example: Students' Sleep Patterns and Academic Performance ( less than 6 hours lower grader ,7,8 hours higher grades) Less than 6 hours 7 hours 8 hours Mid term Exam

16. Longitudinal Survey Information is collected same group of people at different points in time in order to study changes over time Four longitudinal designs are commonly employed in survey research : Trend survey Cohort survey Panel survey Follow-up survey

17. TREND SURVEY A trend survey is a type of survey used to track how people's opinions, behaviors, or experiences change over time. Researchers ask the same questions to different groups of people at regular intervals, like every year or every few months. This helps identify patterns or trends, such as changes in study habits or preferences . Example : A teacher asks students every month how confident they feel about math problems. By tracking their answers over time, the teacher can see if confidence increases or decreases . A professor surveys different groups of students at the start, middle, and end of the semester about their opinions on online learning. Each group is different, but the same questions are asked. This shows how opinions about online learning change over time.

18. COHORT SURVEY A cohort survey follows a group of people with something in common over time to see how their experiences or opinions change . Example : A researcher surveys a group of people who start exercising in January every year. Each year, they ask the same group about their exercise habits to see if they stick with it over time . A teacher surveys a group of students who enter primary school in 2023. Every year, the teacher asks the same students about their reading skills to see how much their abilities improve as they grow.

19. PANEL SURVEY A panel survey is when the same group of people is surveyed multiple times over a period of time. It helps track changes in their opinions, behaviors, or experiences . Example : A group of 50 students is surveyed at the start, middle, and end of the school year to see how their study habits change . A researcher surveys 100 people every month for a year to track changes in their eating habits and weight.

20. FOLLOW-UP SURVEY A follow up survey addresses development or change in a previously studied population . Example: A college surveys graduates one year after graduation, to see how many have found jobs or pursued further studies . A school surveys teachers after a workshop to see if they are applying the new teaching methods in their classrooms.

21. Conducting S urvey Research Methods of data collection in survey : Through Questionnaire Through interview What is questionnaire: It is an instrument of measurement consisting of a set of questions to capture data from respondents . Types of Questions in Questionnaire: Open Ended Questions: Allow respondents to answer in their own words. Close Ended Questions: Provide predefined answer options, such as multiple choice or yes/no questions.

22. Pilot Testing of the Questionnaire Pilot testing means trying out a questionnaire on a small group of people before using it for the main survey. This helps identify any problems, such as unclear questions or technical issues, and ensures the questionnaire works as planned . Example: A teacher creates a survey to understand students’ study habits. Before giving it to the entire class, the teacher tests it on 5 students to check if the questions are clear and if the answers provide useful information.

23. Apply Chronbach's Alpha What is Chronbach Alpha: Chronbach's alpha checks if a group of questions in a survey or test work well together to measure the same idea. It helps ensure the questions are reliable and consistent.

24. Apply Chronbach's Alpha Using SPSS Stesp 1:Click Analyze > Scale > Reliability Analysis... on the top menu, as shown below :

25. You will be presented with the following Reliability Analysis dialogue box:

26. Step 2: Transfer the variables Qu1 to Qu9 into the Items box. You can do this by drag-and-dropping the variables into their respective boxes or by using the Right arrow button. You will be presented with the following screen : Step3:Leave the Model: option set as Alpha, which instructs SPSS Statistics to run Cronbach's alpha.

27. Step4: Click on the Statistics button. You will be presented with the Reliability Analysis: Statistics dialogue box, as shown below :

28. Step5 : Select the Item, Scale and Scale , Correlations option in the –Inter-Item– area, as shown below : Step6:Click on the Continue button. This will return you to the Reliability Analysis dialogue box. Step7:Click on the OK button to generate the output.

29. SPSS Statistics Output for Cronbach's Alpha:

30. Administering the Questionnaire Administering a questionnaire means distributing it to participants and collecting their responses. This can be done in different ways, such as handing out paper copies, sending online surveys, or conducting face-to-face interviews . Steps : Choose the Method : Decide how to distribute the questionnaire (e.g., online, in-person ). Give Clear Instructions: Explain how to answer the questions and the purpose of the survey . Ensure Privacy: Make sure participants know their answers will be confidential . Collect Responses: Gather completed questionnaires within the set time . Follow Up: Send reminders if needed, especially for mailed or online surveys.

31. Tabulating Questionnaire Responses Tabulating a questionnaire means organizing and summarizing the responses in a clear and systematic way , usually in tables or charts . This makes it easier to analyze the data and identify patterns or trends. Steps for Tabulating: Collect Responses: Gather all completed questionnaires . Organize Data: Create a table with columns for each question and rows for responses . Count Responses: Tally the number of responses for each option (e.g., how many chose "Yes" or "No "). Summarize : Calculate totals, percentages, or averages to present the results clearly.

32. References Smith, J. D. (2020, July 15). The future of education technology. EdTech Innovations. https:// www.edtechinnovations.com/future-of-education-technology American Educational Research Association. (2017, May 1). What is descriptive research? AERA. https:// www.aera.net/What-is-Descriptive-Research Dunning , D. (2020, June 14). Descriptive research methods in psychology. Psychology Today. https:// www.psychologytoday.com/articles/descriptive-research-methods Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications . Fraenkel , J. R., Wallen , N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2015). How to design and evaluate research in education (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education . Gay , L. R., Mills, G. E., & Airasian , P. W. (2009). Educational research: Competencies for analysis and applications (9th ed.).