سناء احمد
24-10-2010, 12:35 AM
Descriptive research
The term descriptive is self-explanatory and terminology synonymous to this type of research is: describe, write on, depict.
The aim of descriptive research is to verify formulated hypotheses that refer to the present situation in order to elucidate it.
Descriptive research is thus a type of research that is primarily concerned with describing the nature or conditions and degree in detail of the present situation (Landman 1988: 59).
The emphasis is on describe rather than on judge or interpret.
According to Klopper (1990: 64) researchers who use this method for their research usually aim at:
• demarcating the population (representative of the universum) by means of perceiving accurately research parameters; and
• recording in the form of a written report of that which has been perceived.
The aim of the latter is, that when the total record has been compiled, revision of the documents can occur so that the perceptions derived at can be thoroughly investigated .
Because the total population (universum) during a specific investigation can not be contemplated as a whole, researchers make use of the demarcation of the population or of the selection of a representative test sample. Test sampling therefore forms an integral part of descriptive research. In descriptive research the following steps should be included:
• Problem selection and problem formulation.
The research problem being tested should be explicitly formulated in the form of a question.
• Literature search. Intensive literature search regarding the formulated problem enables the researcher to divide the problem into smaller units.
• Problem reduction.
• Hypothesis formulation.•
Test sampling. The researcher should determine the size of the test sample.
• Information retrieval. The application of appropriate information retrieval techniques to comply with the criteria set for authenticity and competency, is relevant.
• General planning. Any research requires sound planning.
• Report writing. The report entails the reproduction of factual information, the interpretation of data, conclusions derived from the research and recommendations.
You should make sure that you understand the meaning of the terminology used. Consult the recommended sources for detailed explanations. However, further reference must be made to aspects related to test sampling.
The term descriptive is self-explanatory and terminology synonymous to this type of research is: describe, write on, depict.
The aim of descriptive research is to verify formulated hypotheses that refer to the present situation in order to elucidate it.
Descriptive research is thus a type of research that is primarily concerned with describing the nature or conditions and degree in detail of the present situation (Landman 1988: 59).
The emphasis is on describe rather than on judge or interpret.
According to Klopper (1990: 64) researchers who use this method for their research usually aim at:
• demarcating the population (representative of the universum) by means of perceiving accurately research parameters; and
• recording in the form of a written report of that which has been perceived.
The aim of the latter is, that when the total record has been compiled, revision of the documents can occur so that the perceptions derived at can be thoroughly investigated .
Because the total population (universum) during a specific investigation can not be contemplated as a whole, researchers make use of the demarcation of the population or of the selection of a representative test sample. Test sampling therefore forms an integral part of descriptive research. In descriptive research the following steps should be included:
• Problem selection and problem formulation.
The research problem being tested should be explicitly formulated in the form of a question.
• Literature search. Intensive literature search regarding the formulated problem enables the researcher to divide the problem into smaller units.
• Problem reduction.
• Hypothesis formulation.•
Test sampling. The researcher should determine the size of the test sample.
• Information retrieval. The application of appropriate information retrieval techniques to comply with the criteria set for authenticity and competency, is relevant.
• General planning. Any research requires sound planning.
• Report writing. The report entails the reproduction of factual information, the interpretation of data, conclusions derived from the research and recommendations.
You should make sure that you understand the meaning of the terminology used. Consult the recommended sources for detailed explanations. However, further reference must be made to aspects related to test sampling.