Descriptive and Diagnostic Research Design

Introduction to Descriptive and Diagnostic Research Design

In this article we will go through the topic Descriptive and Diagnostic Research Design. Descriptive and Diagnostic Research Design Broadly two types of problems are studied in business research. Under the first category, rules of generalization are explored in relation to the problem and under the second, the study is conducted for finding solution to the problem or problems.

The first category is called descriptive research and the second one is called diagnostic research. Some of the research scientists treat both these methods and approaches as one and the same because both of these techniques attempt at explaining the characteristics of the given situation.

 However, some of the scientists find them different in nature and application. They hold the opinion that diagnostic research design is concerned with ascertaining the causes of social action and explaining cause effect relationship among them whereas the main aim of the descriptive research design is to present descriptive detail of the problem under study. The basic characteristic of descriptive research design is to find reliable and full information and facts in connection with the problem.

 The dynamics of both of these designs can be understood by the following discussion and description

(i) Descriptive Research Design

 The descriptive research design aims at collecting true, authentic and relevant material concerning the subject or problem of research and presenting the same in a systematic, logical and orderly way. The object of such a design is to describe or narrate the event, problem or subject in an exhaustive manner. This is why it has been called descriptive or narrative research design by researchers.

 According to Abraham Kaplan, the real scientific investigation begins with the description of events. Thereafter only, the facts and data are compiled, classified and analyzed.

As observed earlier, descriptive design is constructed with a view to explain the events or special features concerning individuals, groups, community, society, culture etc. Such a description is made on the basis of different characteristics like age, caste, gender, education, occupation, economic status etc.

The general census report and the studies conducted to know about the opinion of the people on a particular issue or subject are the types of such research design. In such an investigation, facts and study material are collected by way of observation, interviews, indexing, questionnaire etc. and the event is explained on the basis of “what is” in its description.

Characteristics of Description Research Design

1. when a subject matter or a problem is being studied for the first time, its nature and type of research would be descriptive. Such a design is very useful for new studies. It lays the foundation for further research on the subject in future by providing ground and basic material for the same.

2. The steps of constructing descriptive research design are in accordance with the scientific method except formulation of hypothesis. Since it is a new subject, hypothesis is not possible to construct.

3. The formulation of research design is carried through the steps such as description of problem and collection, classification, organization and analysis of data, facts etc.

4. The unit or subject of investigation is not fully studied in descriptive research design. Only some of the particular aspect or aspects of the subject matter are studied under it.

5. The study under descriptive design is confined to “what is” of the subject matter or problem. It does not attempt at the study of “what should be.” The researcher is expected to study the subject in an objective and unbiased manner.

6. The perspective and approach of the researcher should be scientific rather than humanistic or idealistic.

7. The descriptive design should be descriptive rather than prescriptive.

Steps of Descriptive Research Design

1. Explanation of Objective

 There is no formulation of hypothesis in so far as descriptive research design is concerned. Under such a design, the aims and objects of research are determined and defined. The problem is explained and the issues and questions concerning the research are given final shape on the basis of which required relevant material is to be collected and compiled.

2. Selection of Techniques

 The selection of an appropriate technique or techniques for collection of data and facts, is the next step in the process of design building. The technique should-be selected in accordance with the nature of the subject matter of research and the questions to be asked from the respondents. Unless a proper technique is used, required data and information cannot be collected. Descriptive research is a type of research method used to observe and describe behavior, attitudes, and characteristics of a population. It aims to provide an accurate representation of what is being studied.

Three common methods of descriptive research include

i) case studies

ii) survey methods

iii) observation methods.

i) Case Study

• Case studies entail a thorough examination of a solitary person, group, or occurrence through detailed analysis and investigation. Researchers collect detailed information through various means such as interviews, direct observation, and examination of records.

• They are particularly useful when studying rare or unique phenomena, providing rich qualitative data and insights into complex situations.

• However, case studies are limited in generalizability, as findings from one case may not apply to other contexts.

ii) Survey Method

• Surveys involve collecting data from a sample of individuals through structured questionnaires, interviews, or online forms.
• Surveys are useful for obtaining information about a large population quickly and efficiently. They can measure attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and demographic characteristics.
• Surveys allow for statistical analysis, enabling researchers to identify patterns and trends within the data.
• However, survey responses may be influenced by factors such as response bias or wording effects, and the depth of information obtained may be limited compared to other methods.

iii) Observation Method

• Observation involves systematically watching and recording behavior, events, or phenomena as they naturally occur in their environment.
• Observational studies can be conducted in various settings, such as laboratories, naturalistic settings (e.g., observing behavior in a classroom), or through participant observation.
• This method allows researchers to directly witness behavior and can provide rich, detailed data about real-life situations.
• However, observation may be influenced by the observer’s bias and interpretations. Additionally, the presence of an observer may alter the behavior of those being observed, leading to the Hawthorne effect.

Each of these methods has its strengths and limitations, and researchers often choose the method that best suits their research questions, objectives, and resources available.

3. Selection of Sample

 When the area or scope of the study is broad or vast, it is not possible to contact everybody for collection of information. Therefore, in such cases some respondents are selected on sampling basis, keeping in view the availability of funds, manpower and other resources. The category of respondents may be individuals, units or the area. The sampling units so selected, represent the area or units as a whole.

4. Collection of Data

 Collection of data, information and other material is an important step and integral part of research design. The material can be collected with the help of any or some of the techniques such as observation, interview, indexing, questionnaire etc. The researcher and his team should check from time to time whether the information being given by the respondents is true and reliable or not. This can be ascertained by asking supplementary questions.

5. Classification and Analysis of Data

The facts and material collected in the process of research investigation are compiled and classified into different groups and categories on the basis of their nature and characteristics. The material of similar nature is placed in one single category. These groups and categories are tabulated in a particular order. Statistical methods are applied to study the inter-relationship and inter-dependence among the data and facts.

6. Report Writing

 Finally, the data, facts and material collected for the purpose of research, is recorded in a descriptive and explanatory manner. Special care is taken to use proper language in writing and recording so that the meaning and interpretation of the same may not be different from the intended meaning of researcher. The terminology used for the purpose should be the same which is commonly used in the respective discipline. This completes the research operation. Other scientists may now avail benefit of this work for their understanding and further research

Read Also : Exploratory Research

(ii) Diagnostic Research Design

 Diagnostic research design aims at acquiring new or latest knowledge on social and business problems, and issues concerning the subject of research. Not only it explores the causes of problems but also attempts at finding their solutions. Having identified measures for addressing the problem, a plan of their application is also formulated and presented. This is why this design is called diagnostic design. It is a step ahead from the descriptive research design and paves the way for solving the problem.

Distinction between Descriptive and Diagnostic Research Designs

1. Descriptive research design attempts only at explaining the facts and causes of problems whereas diagnostic design offers their solutions and presents a practical plan of implementation to deal with the problems.

2. Descriptive research design is the study of the problems at primary or initial level whereas diagnostic research design is a very detailed and high-level study having practical dimensions for solving the problem.

3. Such areas, subjects and problems are studied under descriptive research design which have not been studied in the past or about which enough data and material are not available. As compared to this, such issues, subjects or problems are studied under diagnostic research design on which enough material or information are available. In other words, one can say that descriptive research work provides ground for diagnostic research.

4. As far the object of research is concerned, descriptive research aims at exploring and acquiring new knowledge on the subject whereas the object of diagnostic research is to study the causes of a problem and present their solutions together with plan of application.

5. Explaining a problem is the main activity under descriptive research design as its name suggests. This activity is not required to be guided or regulated by a hypothesis. But in case of diagnostic research design, construction of hypothesis is necessary as it guides and regulates the study and thus plays an important role.

Conclusion to Descriptive and Diagnostic Research Design

Thus, it can be concluded that descriptive research design fulfills the primary steps and needs of research by ascertaining the factors and causes of a social problem. From here diagnostic research design carries the task further by finding solutions and suggesting plan of action with the help of the primary knowledge provided under the descriptive research design.