What is the aim of descriptive research?

Descriptive research aims to provide an accurate portrayal of the characteristics of a particular group, situation, or phenomenon as they currently exist, without manipulating any variables or examining cause-and-effect relationships. This type of research is often used to gather detailed information about specific events, populations, or contexts, thereby helping researchers understand the "who, what, when, where, and how" of their subjects.

By focusing on the description of situations and experiences, descriptive research can reveal trends or patterns within the data, but its primary purpose is not to establish relationships between variables or predict outcomes. This foundational understanding is crucial for building further exploratory or experimental studies, as it creates a solid base of knowledge about the subject matter.