In descriptive research studies, what action is taken with the variables?

In descriptive research studies, the primary focus is on observing and describing the characteristics of a population or phenomenon without manipulating any variables. This means that researchers collect data to identify patterns, trends, or relationships among variables as they naturally occur. Since the goal is to provide an accurate portrayal of the current state of affairs, the variables remain unchanged, and the researchers simply document and analyze them as they find them.

In contrast to experimental research, where researchers actively manipulate variables to observe effects, descriptive studies prioritize understanding what exists rather than altering conditions. This is why the conclusion that the variables in descriptive research are not manipulated is the right understanding of the nature of this type of study.