Title: Descriptive Research: Definition, Characteristics, Methods, Examples and Advantages | QuestionPro
Headings: Descriptive Research: Definition, Characteristics, Methods, Examples and Advantages
Descriptive Research: Definition, Characteristics, Methods, Examples and Advantages
What is descriptive research?
Gather research insights
Characteristics of descriptive research
Applications of descriptive research with examples
Descriptive research methods
Examples of descriptive research
Gather research insights
Advantages of descriptive research

Content: In this case, the researcher observes the respondents from a distance. Since the respondents are in a comfortable environment, the characteristics observed are natural and effective. In a descriptive research design, the researcher can choose to be either a complete observer, an observer as a participant, a participant as an observer, or a full participant. For example, in a supermarket, a researcher can from afar monitor and track the customers’ selection and purchasing trends. This offers a more in-depth insight into the purchasing experience of the customer. Case study method
Case studies involve in-depth research and study of individuals or groups. Case studies lead to a hypothesis and widen a further scope of studying a phenomenon. However, case studies should not be used to determine cause and effect as they can’t make accurate predictions because there could be a bias on the researcher’s part. The other reason why case studies are not a reliable way of conducting descriptive research is that there could be an atypical respondent in the survey. Describing them leads to weak generalizations and moving away from external validity.