The descriptive method It is one of the qualitative methods used in research aimed at evaluating some characteristics of a particular population or situation..
In descriptive research, as its name implies, the objective is to describe the state and / or behavior of a series of variables. The descriptive method guides the researcher during the scientific method in the search for answers to questions such as: who, what, when, where, regardless of why.
Describing implies systematically observing the object of study and cataloging the information that is observed so that it can be used and replicated by others. The objective of this type of method is to obtain precise data that can be applied in averages and statistical calculations that reflect trends, for example.
Normally, this type of study is the one that opens the way to more in-depth and complex studies on a given phenomenon, by offering data on its form and function.
Similarly, it is common for the researcher to be tempted to establish causal relationships with the results of descriptive studies, which represents a methodological error..
Some of the most representative characteristics of the descriptive method are:
- It follows a qualitative methodology.
- It is usually a first approach to the object of study and works as a catalyst for new research.
- It allows to obtain many precise data on the object of study.
- It involves careful observation and a faithful record of what is observed.
- It does not admit generalizations or projections.
- Uses different techniques and instruments for data collection: interviews, surveys, documentation, participant observation, etc..
It is the first step of the investigation. It is about the moment in which it is decided what to investigate and the type of questions to which an answer will be sought..
According to what is intended to be investigated, the instruments for data collection should be selected.
This phase of the process must be carried out with some anticipation, to ensure that the instruments will be adequate to obtain the desired information..
It is a crucial moment in the process, since it implies being attentive to the observed reality in order to take note of as many details as possible.
Ideally, this observation does not alter the natural conditions in which the phenomenon or situation to be studied occurs..
At this point in the process, the perceived data is transcribed in some format and organized according to its importance or meaning..
In this way, it will be easier to process the information when it comes to large quantities or different categories that could be confused..
Once the data have been cataloged, it will be time for their interpretation and analysis with reference to the object of study..
This analysis should not establish causal relationships, since the nature of the method does not allow it..
This is the time of the process in which the next steps of the investigation of the given object of study are suggested.
With the information collected, it is normal for new questions to arise and this is where the inquiry into these issues is proposed..
It is a type of study in which all possible information is collected on the existing situation at the time the instruments or the selected technique are applied..
If we talk about an individual, it is done considering him as a typical character in order to later make generalizations. In that case, you must include information about the people and events surrounding the individual..
That information should come from different sources; interviews, surveys, desk research and physical and / or psychological measurements.
It is the same case study, carried out among several entities or subjects with similar characteristics to obtain a single report / report and propose investigations on the interrelation of variables.
They consist of the review of the prevalence of certain diseases in a defined geographic space during a certain period of time.
In this sense, it ends by describing the health of a population.
It is the direct, close study of people during a certain period of time.
It is generally applied to groups of people with similar characteristics, such as ethnicities or subcultures, to extract information about their customs, rituals and traits.
The objective is to achieve a very realistic image of the group studied, so the researcher enters the group and participates in its uses and customs.
It is a qualitative technique that only aims to offer a realistic and detailed "photograph" of the functioning of a specific group of people..
In short, the descriptive method used in the investigations is of great help to know in depth the fact or situation that is the object of scientific curiosity..
They are structured questionnaires that attempt to describe in depth the phenomenon under study at a given moment. To achieve this description, the survey investigates the thoughts, opinions and feelings of individuals.
They can be done by mail, over the phone, or through personal interviews. Surveys require working with statistically representative samples.
When applying the observational method, it is important to note that:
Some investigations that use the descriptive method could be:
The data collected through descriptive methods can be expressed in qualitative and quantitative terms, either separately or jointly..
Qualitative data is used when the objective is to examine the nature of phenomena. Whereas quantitative data applies to display the results of a calculation or a measurement.
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