DESCRIPTIVE METHOD: CHARACTERISTICS, STAGES AND EXAMPLES - SCIENCE - 2025

The descriptive method is one of the qualitative methods that are used in investigations that have the objective of evaluating some characteristics of a population or particular 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.

Characteristics of the descriptive method

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.
• It uses different techniques and instruments for data collection: interviews, surveys, documentation, participant observation, etc.

Stages of the descriptive method

1-Identification and delimitation of the problem

It is the first step of the investigation. It is about the moment in which you decide what to investigate and the type of questions to which you will seek answers.

2-Elaboration and construction of the instruments

According to what is 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.

3-Observation and data recording

It is a crucial moment in the process, since it implies being attentive to the observed reality in order to take note of as much detail as possible.

Ideally, this observation should not alter the natural conditions in which the phenomenon or situation to be studied occurs.

4-Decoding and categorization of information

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.

5-Analysis

Once the data has been cataloged, it will be time for its 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.

6-Proposals

This is the process moment 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.

Some examples of the descriptive method

Case studies

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 speak of an individual, it is done considering it 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, documentary research and physical and / or psychological measurements.

Case series

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.

Prevalence studies

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.

Ethnography

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, rites 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.

Polls

They are structured questionnaires that attempt to describe in depth the phenomenon under study at a given moment. To achieve this description, the survey seeks to investigate 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.

Observation

When applying the observational method, it is important to note that:

• It is mandatory to precisely define the observation conditions.
• It must be a systematic and objective observation.
• You must make a rigorous record of what is observed.
• You should not intervene in the observed reality so as not to alter the data.

Some investigations that use the descriptive method could be:

• Censuses.
• Pre-election polls.
• Work climate studies.
• States of the art.

Expression of data in descriptive studies

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. While quantitative data apply to expose the results of a calculation or a measurement.

References

1. Steel, Angie (s / f). Descriptive method. Recovered from: es.scribd.com
2. Cortese, Abel (s / f) What are descriptive studies? Recovered from: technical-de-studies.org
3. Gross, Manuel (s / f). Learn about 3 types of research: descriptive, exploratory and explanatory. Recovered from: manuelgross.bligoo.com
4. Reid, Ari (s / f). What is the meaning of the descriptive method in research? Translated by Alejandro Moreno. Recovered from: ehowenespanol.com
5. University of Valencia (s / f). Descriptive statistics. Methods. Recovered from: uv.es