Descriptive research aims to accurately describe variables without manipulating them. It can answer what, where, when and how questions but not why questions. Descriptive research uses various methods to observe and measure variables in their natural setting. School surveys are a type of descriptive research that comprehensively study existing school conditions to determine effectiveness and suggest improvements. Different types of school surveys include survey testing, school appraisal, status studies, financial studies, curriculum studies, and building surveys.

1. By
Dr. Neha Deo

2. Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically
describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can
answer what, where, when and how questions but
not why questions.
A descriptive research design can use a wide variety
of research methods to investigate one or more variables.
Unlike in experimental research, the researcher does not
control or manipulate any of the variables, but only observes
and measures them.

3. Descriptive research -Provides necessary
information for making decisions to
Administrators
It provides necessary information and plan for
Improvement.
It interprets, synthesizes & integrates data &
points out their implications.

4. It is more realistic-
done in natural
settings.
Can obtain opinion,
attitudes and
suggestions.
Useful in
development of
research tools.

5. Information on a large scale can be obtained
It is cross sectional
It is related with a group.
Nature of the research is defined, purpose is decided,
data are collected, analysis is done & conclusions are
drawn.

6. It may be quantitative or qualitative.
In it mathematical, scientific language is used.
Local problems can be solved immediately.
Before a deep, comprehensive study, survey or a
descriptive research is essential

7. Evaluation
studies
Descriptive
research
Assessment
Studies

8. In assessment studies-No Value judgment
is given.
No explanations about the reasons are
given.
No recommendations are give.
Surveys---Social, Public opinion
In it Status at particular time is studied.
International assessment
Activity analysis
Trend studies

9. In it Status at particular time is
studied.
Value judgment is given.
Sometimes recommendations are also
given.
School surveys
Programme evaluation

10. In it Status at particular time is studied.
Value judgment is given.
Sometimes recommendations are also given.
Causal comparative, correaltional.

11. School Survey-Types
Survey testing
School Appraisal
Status studies
Financial studies
Curriculum studies
Building Surveys

12. School Survey
School Survey is a
comprehensive study of
existing conditions. The main
purpose is to determine overall
effectiveness of the school
programme & to suggest
improvement where necessary.

13. Selection & defining the problem
Identification of the data
Selection & development of Tools
Selection of the sample
Collection of the data
Analysis & interpretation of the data
Writing the research report

14. Types of school survey
School
Survey
School Appraisal
Status studies
Financial
studies
Survey testing
Curriculum
studies
Building
surveys

15. 1.Survey testing
Different tests not only measure maximum capacity but also
describe typical behaviour.
A) Achievement testing-
Compare the attainment with the previous-if
unsatisfactory-causes, remedies.
Compare the performances of different schools.
They can furnish national or local norms which can provide a
basis for assessing certain curricular strengths &
weaknesses.
They can decide whether a particular innovative programme is
better or poorer .

16. 1. Survey testing—A) Achievement testing
Teacher can use the results of the city or state survey for
the analysis of their own classes.
They can identify weak students.
They can provide information regarding which
objectives are fulfilled & which are not.
They can identify students doing better.
They can help in locating geographical regions or
schools which are weak.

17. 1) Survey testing-B) Intelligence testing
Intelligence testing is useful
Identifying gifted students.
Studying mental growth.
For making decisions for individual students regarding their
success in the school/college.
Dividing large groups.
For estimating degree of mental retardation.
For studying socially and educationally maladjusted
students.
For constructing or adopting intelligence test.
For indicating extent of differences.

18. 1) Survey testing-C) Personality testing
In survey testing different types of testing
can be done. It covers the entire
constellation----- attitudes, interests, traits,
adjustment, needs.

19. 2) School appraisal
It is an essential part of school survey.
It aims at evaluation of all the conditions & outcomes in a
school system.
Concerned with administrative provisions & practices of
educational institutions & the educational attainment.
It aims at evaluation of all the conditions & outcomes.
Tools-check list, rating scale, score cards, academic
achievement & subsequent success of the pupils.

20. 3)Status studies
To decide personal & professional status of
teachers & other officials. They may be apart of
school survey or independent study.
Studies to investigate problems of selection &
placement of teachers, their workload, their
status.

21. 4)Financial Studies
The problems relating the financial position
of a school in terms of the sources of finance
& the items of expenditure per student &
salaries of teachers.
Tools-Official records, questionnaire etc.

22. 5) Curriculum Studies
Analysis of existing curriculum& its comparison.
Curriculum analysis is generally done on the basis
of principles of curriculum framing, needs of the
pupils & the community & limitations.
Tools –Questionnaire, schedules, check list etc.

23. 6)Building Surveys
To gather information regarding their sites, location,
accommodation, arrangements etc. they have for various
classes, subjects, activities or staff.
Conditions as regards their maintenance, cleanliness.
Steps---1)determination of building facilities needed
2)Assessment of existing & possible sources to
accommodate need.
3)Specific recommendations.
It can be done by consultant or self.

24. In order to make some important & crucial decisions, industrial,
political, educational & other leaders seek knowledge of the
public opinion.
Tools- Questionnaire, Schedule, interviews.
Public opinion survey have several limitations –sample may not
be representative, situation, environment may affect the
reliability

25. It is more general & comprehensive.
They may prove to be of great benefit to schools in clarifying
the social settings in which they exist & function & the
expectations of the community with respect to the education
of its citizens.
They are generally undertaken to study health services,
employment conditions, causes of juvenile delinquency.
It may be qualitative or quantitative.
Tools-Q.,Schedules,Int. rating scale, direct observation.