In science you will conduct many different types of investigations. There are three main types of investigations: descriptive, comparative, and experimental. In this resource we will focus on descriptive and comparative.

Much of science is conducted with investigations using observations that result in descriptive findings. This type of study is called a descriptive investigation. Astronomers, meteorologists, and geologists often conduct descriptive investigations. Classification of leaves is an example of a descriptive investigation. Observing animal behavior in nature is another example. Descriptive investigations use careful observations and measurements to develop findings. Science journals, science logs, and field notebooks are some of the tools scientists use to gather information for descriptive investigations.

Comparative investigations involve collecting data on different organisms/objects/features, or collecting data under different conditions (e.g., times of year, temperatures, locations) to make a comparison. In comparative investigations, scientists look for patterns or trends by comparing similarities and differences over time and under various circumstances. Identifying the boiling points of three different liquids, and using a hand lens to observe the external anatomy of 2 different insects are examples of comparative investigations.

Let's see what you have learned about descriptive and comparative investigations. Read each statement and decide which type of investigation it is.

Question	Descriptive	Comparative
How frequently does it rain in the month of August?	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer
What is the difference in temperature at locations A and B at 12:00 noon?	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer
What is the difference in the pH of the water in a clean aquarium versus a dirty aquarium?	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer
How many insects are there in a given area?	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer
How many cm do snails move in 10 minutes?	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer
What are the similarities and differences among prokaryotes and eukaryotes?	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check Your Answer