Suppose that someone reported on a study with the following summary: This study had the purpose of describing people who are victims of domestic violence. It discovered that victims of family violence were found in various social classes, various races, and various sections of the nation. It was concluded that family violence is not restricted to social class, race, or geography. Information from what phase of the research process is missing from this description? Is it Phase 1 (the research question and knowledge base), Phase 2 (the methods used to conduct the study), Phase 3 (data collection and analysis), or Phase 4 (drawing conclusions)?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: The phase that is missing from this description is Phase 2, the methods used in the study. There is no reference in the above report to the study sample or the means of measuring study variables. However, there is information on Phase 1 because there is statement about the purpose of the study. There is information on Phase 3 because the results of the study were reported. There is information on Phase 4 because a major conclusion was presented.
Learning Objective: 6-1: Explain the nature of descriptive research contrasted with research that is explanatory, evaluative, or exploratory.
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: The Phases of Descriptive Research
Difficulty Level: Hard