Experimental research includes a variable that can be manipulated by the researcher, and variables that can be measured, calculated and compared in a controlled environment. The control condition desists from any treatment or manipulation of the independent variable. People assigned to the control group serve as the basis of comparison for the people in the experimental condition. Assuming that the groups were comparable prior to the treatment, any difference between the control condition and the experimental condition can be attributed to the effect of the independent variable. Descriptive research describes a situation, subject, behaviour, or phenomenon. Historical research involves studies and interprets past events to gain insights into, or arrive at conclusions on, past figures and/or occurrences. Survey research encompasses collecting information about a population of interest through procedures that involve asking questions of respondents.