Introduction

Research is one systematic activity that is undertaken by scholars, to help in widening our knowledge base in
all fields of education. Research is undertaken in both social sciences as well as science subjects such as
physics and biology. There are many different types of researches such as descriptive, exploratory, explanatory,
and evaluation research that confuse humanity students because of similarities in these types. This article
attempts to highlight the differences between descriptive and exploratory research for the benefit

General
descriptive research is descriptive in nature and gathers statistics, which is later carefully studied to arrive at
conclusions. In fact, descriptive research often leads to formulation of hypothesis as collation and analysis of
data produces conclusions that form the basis of another research. So, if there is a research about the use of
alcohol among teenagers, it typically begins with collection of data that is descriptive in nature and lets people
know the age and drinking habits of students. Descriptive research is helpful for calculations and to arrive at
statistical tools such as median, averages, and frequencies.

Exploratory research is challenging in the sense that it tackles vaguely defined hypothesis and tries to find
answers to questions. This kind of research is social in nature and requires some preliminary work in the
direction of the research. In fact, sociologist Earl Babbie treats exploratory as the purpose of the research saying
this kind of research proves to be useful when the hypothesis has yet not been formed or developed. There are
certain basic premises that need to be tested at the start of an exploratory research. With the help of these
hypotheses, the researcher hopes to arrive at more generalizations
 Key Differences Between Exploratory and Descriptive Research
The difference between exploratory and descriptive research can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

1. Research conducted for formulating a problem for more clear investigation is called exploratory research.
Research that explore and explains an individual, group or a situation, is called descriptive research.
2. The exploratory research aims at the discovery of ideas and thoughts whereas the primary purpose of
descriptive research is to describe the characteristics and functions.
3. The overall design of the exploratory research should be flexible enough so that it provides an opportunity to
consider various aspects of the problem. On the contrary, in descriptive research, the overall design should be
rigid which protects against bias and also maximise reliability.
4. The research process is unstructured in exploratory research. However, it is structured in the case of descriptive
research.
5. Non-probability sampling i.e. judgment or purposive sampling design is used in exploratory research. As
opposed to descriptive research where probability (random) sampling design is used.
6. When it comes to statistical design, exploratory research has no pre-planned design for analysis. Unlike,
descriptive research that has the pre-planned design for analysis.
Specific

Tourism is the field which has capability to transform entire society and bring foreign wealth through the easiest way.
One of the fastest growing industry, great demand, and relaxed environment makes it one of the most demanding
industries. Places where industrial input is less have been converted to tourist hub and it has just brought surprising
results. The objective is to study tourism and development together. The present study is an exploratory study.The study
is mainly confined to understand how development is associated with tourism.

Finding
Therefore exploratory research results in insights or hypothesis, regardless of the method adopted, the most
important thing is that it should remain flexible so that all the facets of the problem can be studied, as and when
they arise. Conversely, descriptive research is a comparative design which is prepared according to the study
and resources available. Such study minimises bias and maximises reliability

Conclusion:
A reporting study provides a summation of data, often recasting data to achieve a deeper understanding
or to generate statistics for comparison. A reporting study calls for knowledge and skill with information
sources and gatekeepers of information sources. Such a study usually requires little inference or
conclusion drawing. A descriptive study tries to discover answers to the questions who, what, when,
where, and, sometimes, how. The researcher attempts to describe or define a subject, often by creating a
profile of a group of problems, people, or events. The descriptive study is popular in research because of
its versatility across management disciplines.

References

Sharma, K. (2013). An exploratory research on tourism and development. Journal of Entrepreneurship and

Management, 2(1), 50-58. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-

com.ezproxy.hct.ac.ae/docview/1478021689?accountid=1215