Descriptive research, by definition, is:

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Here is a step-by-step analysis of each option, with reasoning for why it is correct or incorrect.

Option a: 'used to solve a particular and well-defined problem by clarifying the characteristics of certain phenomena.' This choice aligns with the core idea of descriptive research, which aims to detail and clarify the properties or characteristics of phenomena without manipulating variables. It focuses on describing what exists, rather than testing causes or relationships. The phrase 'solve a particular and well-defined problem' can be seen as describing how descriptive studies address specific questions by outlining the features involved, making this option consistent with descriptive research.

Option b: 'a tentative explanation that can be tested.' This describes a hypothesis or tentative theory that is testable through empirical investigation, which is characteristic of exploratory or experimental research, not purely descriptive work. Descriptive studies typically do not propose testable explanations as their primary purpose; they aim to describe rather than explain or test.

Option c: 'research intended to gather more information about a loosely defined problem.' This sounds like exploratory research, which is conducted to gain a broader understanding of an ambiguous or poorly defined issue. Descriptive research, in contrast, has a more focused scope and aims to describe specific characteristics of a clearly defined phenomenon, making this option mismatched.

Option d: 'research that assumes that a particular variable causes a specific outcome and then, by holding everything else constant, tests whether the variable does indeed effect that outcome.' This describes experimental or causal-comparative research where manipulation and control are used to infer causality. Descriptive research does not impose controlled manipulations or test causal effects, so this option is inaccurate for the definition of descriptive research.

In summary, option a best reflects the defining purpose of descriptive research by clarifying the characteristics of phenomena to address a specific issue, while options b, c, and d describe other research emphases (hypothesis testing, exploratory inquiry, and causal/experimental inquiry) that do not capture the essence of descriptive research.

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Descriptive research, by definition, is:

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THC - MCD2050 - T3 - 2025 Lets check our understanding - Weekly Online Quiz

Descriptive research, by definition, is:

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Which of the following is true regarding observation in psychological research?

Case study is to ________ as naturalistic observation is to ________.

Select the best option to complete this statement: _______ and _______ are among the _______ of non-experimental designs in social psychological research.

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Making Your Study Simpler

Case study is to as naturalistic observation is to .

Select the best option to complete this statement: ___ and _ are among the _____ of non-experimental designs in social psychological research.