Advantages And Disadvantages Of Descriptive Research

Naturalistic observational research is important because it allows researchers to observe people in a natural habitat without any variable manipulation. Most importantly in naturalistic observation, the researcher does not interfere with the situation in any way. Naturalistic observation can be structured or unstructured; for this study, unstructured naturalistic observation was mostly used. There were pre-determined characteristics that the researchers wrote down on a spreadsheet, however, specific behaviors were recorded as they happened (i.e., the type of reaction that resulted from each person who picked up the card). Naturalistic observation is important in psychological research because it gives insight into the natural behaviors of people. When a person is unaware they are being observed it reduces change in behavior, which can occur when if they are aware that they are being observed.

Naturalistic observation is observing behavior in an open, relaxed environment. This method allows a researcher to watch someone’s uninhibited reactions compared to surveys or case surveys where you can answer truthfully or untruthfully. The strengths of naturalistic observations are better generalizing, subjects are comfortable which adds to higher degree of realism

Researchers often times are faced with the decision of choosing a methodology of research; either Quantitative or Qualitative that they think best fits their study and objectives. This choice is guarded by the topic of study, the advantages and disadvantages, and the strengths and weaknesses of using either one or the other type of the methodologies.

Researchers or research teams who elect a quantitative study are going to determine the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable within a population (Babbie, E.R., 2010). There are two types of quantitative study designs: descriptive and experimental. A descriptive design typically measures the subject once and establishes the association between the independent and dependent variables (Mujis, D, 2010). An experimental design measures the subject before and after a treatment and establishes causality between the variables (Brians, C.L. et al, 2011).

Descriptive designs -the current state of affairs, Provides a relatively complete picture, does not assess relationships among variables Experimental - impact on experimental manipulations on a dependent variable, Allows drawing of conclusions, Cannot experimentally manipulate many important variables

This write appreciates facts and data mostly, thus would choose a quantitative method of research. They are concise, the sampling size can be larger and the limitations to human subjectivity usually are less. It is believed that the accuracy of the study is greater and more

Descriptive research, this will not answer questions like how, when, why it has happened. It describes the characteristics of a citizens or circumstance being studied. Instead it tells us the “what” question what are the traits of the citizens or situation being studied? Although this research is highly accurate, it does not gather the causes behind a situation. So if we did a study on say “How many gangs are in Los Angeles?” This will give us an answer of how many of something, like a situation that is being studied. (Babbie, 2008)

The advantages of naturalistic studies over experimental studies is that naturalistic studies are useful for learning how people act in the real world. Experimental studies use an artificial setting while naturalistic studies, researchers observe people is a natural setting, not influencing the data.

The type of research design that is used during this research is known as qualitative research. According to CIRT, “qualitative research studies can provide you with details about human behavior, emotions, and personality characteristic. “In this type of research method, emphasis is placed on natural settings and the participants

The physical presence of the researcher and his use of direct observation have tremendous positive effects on the quality of data generated and further enhances it. This is so because it has the capacity to do the following.

The research design of this study is a descriptive prevalence study. The purpose of descriptive studies is to observe, describe, and document aspects of a situation as it naturally occurs. In

Psychological research describes investigations psychologists undertake in order to review and analyse a specific hypothesis, (a theory about the relationship between defined variables). Research allows theories to be confirmed, amended or rejected and often leads to further research as requirements evolve. Psychological research can take many forms, from laboratory based experiments to non-invasive viewing of subjects in their own environment. This research can take place using human or non-human subjects and the analysed results applied to human behaviour or experience within many disciplines including, education, legal or occupational.

Chapter 3 sets out the research strategy inclusive of the challenges found alternative methods, and scope of this research paper.

There are three main types of descriptive methods: observational methods, case-study methods and survey methods. This article will briefly describe each of these methods, their advantages, and their drawbacks. This may help you better understand research findings, whether reported in the mainstream media, or when reading a research study on your own.

(iii) Historical and Descriptive Research: Historical research is base on the study of past events which helps us to understand the present and enables us t o predict the future. In historical research both primary and secondary data sources are employed. While Descriptive research is to describe some phenomenon or to documents its characteristics.