Descriptive Research Flashcards
Characteristics of Descriptive Research
Quantitative and Qualitative
Can’t control variables as well as experimental research
results can provide basis for further research
Why use Descriptive Research Design
Define subject characteristics
Measure data trends
Validate existing conditions
Disadvantages of Descriptive Research
Response and Non-response Bias
Limited scope (what but not why)
Data Collection methods of descriptive research
Questionnaires
Interviews
Direct Observation
Databases
Types of Descriptive Research
Case report study Descriptive study Developmental research Normative study Qualitative research
Case Report Study
describes interesting, new, and unique cases to build a foundation for clinical science.
act as catalyst for further study.
T/F: Case Report Studies provide sufficient control to allow generalizations or conclusions about casuality
False
Descriptive Surveys
Provides overall picture of a group’s characteristics.
Often used as a source of data to collect information about a specific group
Developmental Research
Involves description of developmental change and sequencing of behaviors in people OVER TIME
Normative study
Describe typical or standard values for characteristics of a given population
directed to a specific age group, gender, occupation, culture, or disability
Qualitative Research
describes the complex nature of humans and how individuals perceive their own experiences within a specific social context
Qualitative Research
Most common forms:
Observation
Interviews
Qualitative Research
Data analysis and interpretation:
takes long to sift through narratives, coding, and organization
computer programs available for qualitative text analytic
computer programs designed only to assist the researcher in managing data, but not analyze data, develop theory or draw conclusions about findings.
