The primary objective of descriptive research is to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation, or phenomenon.
Descriptive research serves a fundamental purpose in investigation: to provide a clear and structured account of what exists or how things are. Unlike explanatory research which seeks causes (the 'why'), descriptive research focuses squarely on observable characteristics and patterns.
Based on the provided reference, the core objectives can be broken down as follows:
Key Aims of Descriptive Research
Descriptive research design is employed when the goal is to portray the characteristics of a subject matter without delving into the reasons behind them.
- Accurate Description: A major objective is to provide a precise and truthful depiction of the subject being studied. This involves gathering data that reflects reality as closely as possible.
- Systematic Description: The process aims for a structured and organized account. Data collection and analysis methods are applied systematically to ensure clarity and coherence in the description.
- Focus on Specific Subjects: Descriptive research specifically aims to describe one or more variables within a defined:
- Population: Characteristics of a group of people (e.g., average age, income distribution).
- Situation: The state or conditions of something at a particular time (e.g., current market trends, usage patterns of a service).
- Phenomenon: An observable event or occurrence (e.g., customer behavior during a sale, types of errors in a process).
Questions Descriptive Research Answers
A crucial aspect of its objective is the type of questions it is designed to address. Descriptive research is well-suited to answer questions starting with:
- What: Identifying the characteristics or nature of something.
- Where: Pinpointing the location or context.
- When: Determining the time or frequency.
- How: Explaining the process or manner in which something occurs (but not the cause).
Importantly, descriptive research cannot answer 'why' questions. Its scope is limited to describing facts and characteristics, not exploring causal relationships.
Summary of Objectives
| Objective | Description | Focus | Questions Addressed | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate Description | To provide a truthful and precise account. | Population, Situation, Phenomenon | What, Where, When, How | Cannot answer Why |
| Systematic Description | To offer a structured and organized account. | Population, Situation, Phenomenon | What, Where, When, How | Cannot answer Why |
| Answer Specific Qs | To address questions about characteristics, location, time, and process. | Population, Situation, Phenomenon | What, Where, When, How | Cannot answer Why |
By fulfilling these objectives, descriptive research lays the groundwork for further research by providing foundational facts and insights into the subject under investigation. It uses a wide variety of research methods to gather the necessary data.
