Descriptive Research Design and Its Myriad Uses

The design of a research study can be of two broad types—observational or interventional. In interventional studies, at least one variable can be controlled by the researcher. For example, drug trials that examine the efficacy of novel medicines are interventional studies. Observational studies, on the other hand, simply examine and describe uncontrollable variables¹.  

What is descriptive research design?¹

Descriptive design is one of the simplest forms of observational study design. It can either quantify the distribution of certain variables (quantitative descriptive research) or simply report the qualities of these variables without quantifying them (qualitative descriptive research).  

When can descriptive research design be used?¹

It is useful when you wish to examine the occurrence of a phenomenon, delineate trends or patterns within the phenomenon, or describe the relationship between variables. As such, descriptive design is great for¹: 

• Case reports and surveys: Descriptive research is a valuable tool for in-depth examination of uncommon diseases and other unique occurrences. In the context of surveys, it can help researchers meticulously analyse extensive datasets.
  • A survey conducted to measure the changes in the levels of customer satisfaction among shoppers in the US is the perfect example of quantitative descriptive research.
  • Conversely, a case report detailing the experiences and perspectives of individuals living with a particular rare disease is a good example of qualitative descriptive research.

• Cross-sectional studies: Descriptive research is ideal for cross-sectional studies that capture a snapshot of a population at a specific point in time. This approach can be used to observe the variations in risk factors and diseases in a population. Take the following examples:

• • In quantitative descriptive research: A study that measures the prevalence of heart disease among college students in the current academic year.
  • In qualitative descriptive research: A cross-sectional study exploring the cultural perceptions of mental health across different communities.

• Ecological studies: Descriptive research design is also well-suited for studies that seek to understand relationships between variables and outcomes in specific populations. For example:

• • A study that measures the relationship between the number of police personnel and homicides in India can use quantitative descriptive research design
  • A study describing the impact of deforestation on indigenous communities’ cultural practices and beliefs can use qualitative descriptive research design.

• Focus group discussion reports: Descriptive research can help in capturing diverse perspectives and understanding the nuances of participants’ experiences.

• • First, an example of quantitative descriptive research: A study that uses two focus groups to explore the perceptions of mental health among immigrants in London.
  • Next, an example of qualitative descriptive research: A focus group report analyzing the themes and emotions associated with different advertising campaigns.

Benefits of descriptive research design¹

• Easy to conduct: Due to its simplicity, descriptive research design can be employed by researchers of all experience levels.
• Economical: Descriptive research design is not resource intensive. It is a budget-friendly approach to studying many phenomena without costly equipment.
• Provides comprehensive and useful information: Descriptive research is a more thorough approach that can capture many different aspects of a phenomena, facilitating a wholistic understanding.
• Aids planning of major projects or future research: As a tool for preliminary exploration, descriptive research guides can guide strategic decision-making and guide major projects.

The Bottom Line

Descriptive research plays a crucial role in improving our lives. Surveys help create better policies and cross-sectional studies help us understand problems affecting different populations including diseases. Used in the right context, descriptive research can advance knowledge and inform decision making¹. 

We, at Elsevier Language Services, understand the value of your descriptive research, as well as the importance of communicating it correctly. If you have a manuscript based on a descriptive study, our experienced editors can help improve its myriad aspects. By improving the logical flow, tone, and accuracy of your writing, we ensure that your descriptive research gets published in a top tier journal and makes maximum impact in academia and beyond. Contact us for a comprehensive list of services!  

References 

1. Aggarwal, R., & Ranganathan, P. (2019). Study designs: Part 2 – Descriptive studies. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 10(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.4103/picr.picr_154_18.