Descriptive Studies

Definition

A study that aims to reveal patterns associated with a specific disease without an emphasis on pre‐specified hypotheses is called a descriptive study. Sometimes these types of studies are called hypothesis generating studies (to contrast them with hypothesis testing studies). There are three general reasons that may lead to conduction of a descriptive study: to help in planning resource allocation, to identify areas for further research, and to provide informal diagnostic information. Generally, in a descriptive study, the emphasis is on estimation rather than testing. Some of the quantities that are estimated within a descriptive study are the prevalence of a disease, the natural history of a disease, the resources required to treat the disease, and attitudes and perceptions about the disease.