Which type of research collects data to describe persons, organizations, settings, or phenomena?

Simple descriptive research is specifically designed to collect data that provides a clear picture of the characteristics or features of persons, organizations, settings, or phenomena. This type of research focuses on gathering information that helps to outline or describe what exists in a particular context without manipulating variables or seeking to understand causal relationships.

For example, in an educational setting, simple descriptive research might involve surveying students to gather demographic information, opinions on a specific subject, or general attitudes towards the school environment. The goal is to compile data that offers insights into the current state of the subjects being studied, rather than exploring deeper meanings or testing hypotheses, which distinguishes it from other types of research approaches.

Qualitative research, while it may also describe phenomena, typically focuses on understanding the underlying reasons, motivations, or experiences of individuals, often through interviews or observations. Quantitative research, on the other hand, involves numerical data and statistical analysis, which is more focused on measuring variables and examining relationships through hypotheses testing. Comprehensive analysis research usually implies a broader, more in-depth approach that goes beyond simple description to synthesize and interpret data.