CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) Practice

A descriptive study is characterized primarily by its purpose of portraying health characteristics within a specific population. This type of study collects data that provide a snapshot of various health outcomes, behaviors, or demographic factors without delving into the causes or relationships between variables. It focuses on answering questions such as "who, what, when, and where" regarding health phenomena.

Descriptive studies often utilize surveys, observational methods, or existing data sources to compile information about the prevalence of health conditions, health behaviors, and other characteristics that define the health status of a population at a given point in time. Through this process, they can identify patterns and trends that can inform further research, policy-making, or health interventions.

The other options refer to different types of studies: causal investigations, longitudinal studies that track changes over time, and controlled trials where variables are manipulated. These designs require a more complex structure aimed at determining relationships or effects, which distinguishes them from the more straightforward nature of descriptive studies.