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Descriptive Research

Descriptive Research. A Study of Status. Types of Descriptive Research. Developmental studies - Longitudinal - Cross-sectional Case study Correlational Normative Observational Action Ex post facto Survey. Developmental Research.

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Descriptive Research

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  1. Descriptive Research A Study of Status

  2. Types of Descriptive Research • Developmental studies - Longitudinal - Cross-sectional • Case study • Correlational • Normative • Observational • Action • Ex post facto • Survey

  3. Developmental Research • Looks at changes in behavior or knowledge across years • Longitudinal designs • Cross-sectional designs

  4. The Case Study • Strives for an in-depth understanding of a single situation or phenomenon • A case can be a person, program, institution, project or a concept

  5. Correlational • To determine if a relationship exists between two variables measured on the same individual • e.g. Age and alcohol consumption; Years in the profession and safety record

  6. The Normative Survey • Establishes norms for abilities, performances, beliefs and attitudes on samples of people of different ages, genders and other classifications • AAHPERD Youth Fitness Test • National Children and Youth Fitness Study

  7. Observational • Data consists of observations of people or programs • Can take place over weeks or months • Time consuming • Requires considerable training

  8. Survey Research • Most common type of descriptive research • Tries to ascertain opinions and practices through interviews and questionnaires • Make comparisons, determine trends, reveals strengths/weaknesses, uses information for decision-making

  9. Action Research • Conducted in the natural setting where it will be applied • Lacks some control • Results are always true for the setting • Tries to solve a problem specific to the setting

  10. Ex Post Facto Research • “After the fact” • Uses data that have already been collected • Seeks to explain the present by looking at data from the past • Also called “causal-comparative” • e.g. summer camp injury study

  11. Survey Research • The most common type of descriptive research • Involves determining the views or practices of a group through interviews or questionnaires • Administered by the researcher or through the mail

  12. Survey Methods • Phone Interview • Personal Interviews • Administered Questionnaire • Distributed Questionnaire

  13. Telephone Interviews • Less expensive • Can work from a central location • People more accessible by telephone • Can reach a large geographical area • People may respond more candidly to sensitive questions by phone

  14. The Personal Interview • More valid because responses are more reliable • Greater percentage of returns • Interviewer tends to improve with experience • Do not inject your own biases • To get good information, you must ask good questions

  15. Steps in Questionnaire Research 1. Determine the objectives 2. Delimit the sample 3. Construct the questionnaire 4. Conduct a pilot study 5. Write the cover letter, if necessary 6. Send or administer the questionnaire 7. Follow-up(s), if necessary 8. Analyze the results and prepare the report

  16. Questionnaire Design Answer these questions before you start: • What do you want to know? • What do you want to achieve with the results? • What kind of information do you need? • Knowledge • Beliefs, attitudes, opinions • Behavior • Attributes

  17. Types of questions • Open-ended questions • Why do you smoke? • Completion (Fill-in the-blank) • How old were you when you started smoking? ______ • Closed questions • How many cigarettes a day do you smoke? a. 1-4 b. 5-10 c. 11-20 d. more than 20

  18. Writing questions • Think through the use of each question!! • Avoid the use of jargon or abbreviations • Be specific • Use clear wording • Avoid making assumptions • Avoid bias • Avoid double-barreled questions

  19. What is wrong? • Do you exercise regularly? • Did you have a mammogram and a Pap smear last year? • I don’t exercise because I’m lazy. Agree Disagree • Men over 40 should have a PSA test every year. Have you had your PSA test this year?

  20. Formatting the questionnaire • Begin with an introduction which includes • Questionnaire’s purpose • Identification of the source • Explanation of how information will be used • Assurance of confidentiality • First questions should be easy, not controversial • Arrange the questions so they flow naturally

  21. Formatting the questionnaire • Use the same type of questions and responses throughout a series of questions on a particular topic • Place demographic questions at the end of the questionnaire • Give directions about how to answer • Circle the number of your choice • Check all that apply • Use transitional statements

  22. Example Questionnaire • Centers for Disease Control (CDC) • Division of Adolescent & School Health • 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System • http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/yrbs/2003/questionnaire.htm

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