Instead of specific authors, it's more accurate to discuss influential figures who have *written about* or *advanced* the understanding and application of descriptive research methods:
* Researchers in statistics and research methodology: Authors who have contributed significantly to statistical analysis and the methodologies used in descriptive studies are more relevant. Their work provides the framework and tools for conducting and interpreting descriptive research, not necessarily the descriptive research itself. These would include authors of textbooks and articles on quantitative and qualitative research methods. Think of authors like Creswell (qualitative), Babbie (quantitative), and many others whose names would appear in textbooks on research methods.
* Authors of primary research using descriptive methods: Countless researchers across all disciplines use descriptive research. Their publications *are* examples of descriptive research, but attributing the methodology itself to them wouldn't be accurate.
In short, descriptive research is a broad approach, and many researchers contribute to its ongoing development and application. Focusing on specific authors is less helpful than examining the methodological literature on descriptive research itself.