What type of research describes how often a phenomenon occurs but does not explain why?

What type of research describes how often a phenomenon occurs but does not explain why?

• A. Descriptive research
• B. Explanatory research
• C. Exploratory research
• D. Evaluation research

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is describing how often a phenomenon occurs and what its patterns look like without explaining why those patterns exist. Descriptive research focuses on measuring and characterizing the presence, frequency, and distribution of something. It answers questions like “how many,” “how often,” or “what is the typical value,” giving a clear picture of what’s happening but not the reasons behind it. For example, a survey that reports the percentage of residents who own smartphones in a city is descriptive: it shows frequency and extent, not the causes or effects of ownership. Explanatory research, in contrast, seeks to uncover causes and mechanisms—why something happens. Exploratory research is about opening up questions and identifying potential variables when little is known. Evaluation research looks at the effectiveness or value of a program or intervention. Because the prompt emphasizes describing occurrence without explanation, descriptive research is the best fit.

The main idea being tested is describing how often a phenomenon occurs and what its patterns look like without explaining why those patterns exist. Descriptive research focuses on measuring and characterizing the presence, frequency, and distribution of something. It answers questions like “how many,” “how often,” or “what is the typical value,” giving a clear picture of what’s happening but not the reasons behind it.

For example, a survey that reports the percentage of residents who own smartphones in a city is descriptive: it shows frequency and extent, not the causes or effects of ownership.

Explanatory research, in contrast, seeks to uncover causes and mechanisms—why something happens. Exploratory research is about opening up questions and identifying potential variables when little is known. Evaluation research looks at the effectiveness or value of a program or intervention. Because the prompt emphasizes describing occurrence without explanation, descriptive research is the best fit.