What is the difference between descriptive research and causal research?

Descriptive research is primarily concerned with providing an accurate account of a population, situation, or phenomenon. It focuses on describing characteristics or behaviors within that context without manipulating any variables. This type of research gathers data that reveal patterns or trends but does not establish or imply any causal relationships. Therefore, descriptive research is limited to observation and reporting rather than predicting outcomes or understanding connections between different factors.

In contrast, causal research, also known as explanatory research, is designed to determine relationships between variables, specifically causation. Causal research endeavors to identify whether one or more independent variables significantly affect a dependent variable. This type of research usually involves experimentation or longitudinal studies to establish cause-and-effect linkages.

This understanding clarifies why the assertion that descriptive research does not demonstrate causal relationships is indeed correct; it emphasizes the distinction between simply documenting observations and exploring the underlying mechanisms that drive those observations.