Final answer:
The selection of a descriptive research design is influenced by factors such as the research question, the type of data needed, and the population being studied. Different designs are more suitable for different types of questions and desired data. The characteristics of the population being studied can also impact the choice of research design.
Step-by-step explanation:
The selection of a descriptive research design is based on multiple factors. These factors include the research question, the type of data needed, the population being studied, and the resources available.
For example, if the research question focuses on understanding the attitudes and behaviors of a specific group of people, a survey or questionnaire method may be appropriate to collect data from a large sample size.
On the other hand, if the research question aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals in depth, an ethnographic approach involving participant observation and interviews may be chosen.
- Research question: The selection of a research design is influenced by the specific question the researcher wants to answer. Different designs are more suitable for different types of questions.
- Type of data needed: The desired data influences the choice of research design. If quantitative data is needed, a survey or experiment may be appropriate. If qualitative data is needed, methods like observations and interviews may be used.
- Population being studied: The characteristics of the population being studied can impact the choice of research design. For example, if the population is geographically dispersed, online surveys may be more practical than in-person interviews.