Descriptive Research

Descriptive Research Descriptive research can be explained as a statement of affairs as they are at present with
the researcher having no control over variable. Moreover, descriptive research may be characterised as simply
the attempt to determine, describe or identify what is, while analytical research attempts to establish why it is
that way or how it came to be[1].

Descriptive research is aimed at casting light on current issues or problems through a process of data collection
that enables them to describe the situation more completely than was possible without employing this
method[2]

In its essence, descriptive studies are used to describe various aspects of the phenomenon. In its popular format,
descriptive research is used to describe characteristics and/or behaviour of sample population.

An important distinctive trait of descriptive research compared to alternative types of studies relates to the fact
that while descriptive research can employ a number of variables, only one variable is required to conduct a
descriptive study. Three main purposes of descriptive studies can be explained as describing, explaining and
validating research findings.

Descriptive studies are closely associated with observational studies, but they are not limited with observation
data collection method, and case studies, as well as, surveys can also be specified as popular data collection
methods used with descriptive studies.

Examples of Descriptive Research

Research questions in descriptive studies typically start with What is. Examples of research questions in
descriptive studies may include the following:

What are the most effective intangible employee motivation tools in hospitality industry in the 21stcentury?
What is the impact of viral marketing on consumer behaviour in consumer amongst university students in
Canada?
Do corporate leaders of multinational companies in the 21stcentury possess moral rights to receive multi-
million bonuses?
What are the main distinctive traits of organisational culture of McDonalds USA?
What is the impact of the global financial crisis of 2007 2009 on fitness industry in the UK?
Advantages of Descriptive Research

Effective to analyse non-quantified topics and issues

The possibility to observe the phenomenon in a completely natural and unchanged natural environment
The opportunity to integrate the qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection
Disadvantages of Descriptive Research

Descriptive studies cannot test or verify the research problem statistically

Research results may reflect certain level of bias due to the absence of statistical tests
The majority of descriptive studies are not repeatable due to their observational nature
Political Science 101: The 1987 Constitution
Concept of State and Government
o Elements of State
o State Distinguished from Government
o Kinds of Government
Concept of Constitution
o What is Constitution?
o Importance, Nature and Purpose of Constitution
o Basic Principles Underlying our Constitution
Article III The Bill of Rights

Concept of State and Government

Meaning of State

A state is a community of persons permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, having a

government of their own to which they render obedience, and enjoying freedom from external or outside
control.

Elements of State
1. People;
2. Territory;
3. Government; and
4. Sovereignty.

State Distinguished from Government

A state cannot exist without a government, but it is possible to have a government without state.

Kinds of Government
There are many ways in which governments can be classified. The usual enumeration of the
forms of government includes three (3) general types according to how many of the people share in its
control. They are:
1. Monarchy;
2. Oligarchy; and
3. Democracy.

Concept of Constitution

What is Constitution?

The term constitution refers to the body of binding rules, according to which the powers of
sovereignty are exercised.
 Importance, Nature and Purpose of Constitution
1. Source of governmental powers;
2. Supreme law of the land; and
3. Instrument to protect rights of the people.
Basic Principles Underlying our Constitution
Our Constitution is founded upon certain fundamental principles of government which have
become part and parcel of our cherished democratic heritage as a people. Among these principles are the
following:
1. Recognition of the aid of Almighty God;
2. Sovereignty of the people (Art. II, Sec. 1);
3. Supremacy of civilian authority over the military (Art. II, Sec. 3);
4. Separation of Church and State (Art. II, Sec. 6);
5. Guarantee of human rights (Art. III, Secs. 1-22); and
6. Government through Suffrage (Art. V, Sec. 1).

Article III The Bill of Rights

Section 1
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any
person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Concept of Bill of Rights

It is the part of the Constitution which lists the basic rights of a person that the constitution seeks
to protect from any violation by the government, any individual, or by any group of individuals. Thus, it
limits the powers of the government.
Two Principal Kinds of Rights
1. Civil Rights and
2. Political Rights.

Meaning of Due Process

As a form of punishment or for some justifiable reason, a person may be deprived by the State
(Government) of his life, liberty, or property provided there is due process of law.
Equal Protection of the Laws
Equal treatment under the law.

SOURCES:
De Leon, Hector S. Constitution Made Simple, 2010.
Cruz, Isagani A. Constitutional Law, 2007.