Descriptive Method

The descriptive method of research, as opposed to an experimental or normative method, develops knowledge by describing observed situations, events and objects. The descriptive method is used in most branches of science, as well as in the social sciences.

Descriptive Method

The goal of the descriptive method is to learn about something as it already exists without causing any changes to it.

Intensive vs. Extensive

Descriptive research can focus on one particular object to gain an in-depth knowledge or focus on a variety of related objects to develop general laws.

Intensive Example

An example of an intensive use of the descriptive method would be describing in great detail the structure and composition of an object, such as a work of art or an animal.

Extensive Example

An example of an extensive use of the descriptive method would be observing a variety of animals to understand common behaviors.

Descriptive vs. Experimental

The different between the descriptive method and other uses of the scientific method is that other uses often involve altering something's state to see how it reacts, while the descriptive method focuses on observing it without making any changes.

Source:

Aalto University: Planning an Empirical Study

Taken from: What is the meaning of the descriptive method in research? | Answerbag