Research methods: which techniques can answer a descriptive “what?” question about a phenomenon or behavior in an information systems study?

Introduction / Context: In information systems and management research, different methods can address different questions. The descriptive “what?” question seeks to characterize behaviors, states, or outcomes—often a first step before tackling “why?” or “how?” Understanding which methods can provide valid descriptive answers improves research design and evidence quality.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are focusing on descriptive questions (“what is happening?”).
• Multiple methodological tools are available, each with strengths and limitations.
• Results can be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed.

Concept / Approach: Surveys (questionnaires) gather self-reported data from samples to describe opinions or behaviors. Observation records actual behavior or system states in context. Controlled experiments manipulate variables but also produce descriptive statistics about observed outcomes. Thus, each approach can produce legitimate answers to the “what?” question, although their inferential power differs for causality (“why?”).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check: Research methodology texts define descriptive statistics and exploratory analysis as outputs across these methods, validating the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong: Choosing only one tool ignores that many methods can describe “what” is occurring.

Common Pitfalls: Believing experiments are only for causality; they also generate descriptive insights about treatment and control groups.

Final Answer: All of the above