Think of an issue or problem that you are familiar with - perhaps something that annoys you (e.g. tailbacks on the motorway when there's been no accident). Now identify the descriptive and prescriptive assumptions you think relevant with regard to your chosen problem or issue.
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Now i am not 100% what the difference is from the short description in the Block 1 notes (ref Chen 2005). But it seems to me that
Descriptive assumptions refers to your assumptions about how the situation is the way it is, and therefore how to intervene in it. What the issue is. What you notice, what you value. Content.
Prescriptive assumptions refers to the way you conduct the research - who you invite, which methodologies you adopt, the emotion of research. Process.
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So let's take the example of the situation which interests me for T847 - keeping AWARD alive after the fellowship ends.
Descriptive assumptions: some kind of alumnae follow up is a Good Thing. It will influence change at institutional and societal level as more women become more visible, vocal and do things differently, Particularly if the women are gender responsive in their research approach themselves.One big assumption is that it is possible for the AWARD program to do certain key activities which will increase the chances of a self-organizing post-fellowship thing to form and regenerate itself into the future. One sneaky assumption - presumption - is that that will go in a direction that we would like and that fits with our Theory of Change.
Prescriptive assumptions: cast the net widely, seek dissent for creative conflict and robustness. Select methodologies as suited to the situation. Research in an emotion of optimism and uncertainty. Hold the theory lightly. There are assumptions about my capacity and time, about how helpful people will be, about the ease of contacting fellows and mentors in Africa when i am in Rome.