Final answer:
Exploratory research is conducted to clarify the nature of a research problem, while descriptive research focuses on describing the characteristics or behavior of a given population or phenomenon.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exploratory research is conducted to clarify the nature of a research problem. This type of research aims to observe, explore, and discover new information, without any specific hypothesis or prediction in mind. It involves gathering preliminary data and insights to inform further research or hypothesis development. For example, if a researcher wants to study the effects of a new medication on patient outcomes, they might conduct exploratory research by interviewing doctors and patients to understand their experiences and gather initial data.
Descriptive research is another type of research that focuses on describing the characteristics or behavior of a given population or phenomenon. It involves systematic observation, measurement, and documentation of variables of interest. For example, a researcher might conduct a survey to collect data on the demographics and opinions of a particular group of people. Descriptive research helps to provide a clear picture of a situation or topic.