Paper For Above instruction
The selection of the appropriate research design is fundamental to conducting effective business research, as it influences the validity and applicability of the findings. Based on the provided scenarios, I will identify whether the research design is exploratory, descriptive, or causal, and explain why each choice is suitable for the specific context.
1. Comparing online versus on-ground course performance at University of Phoenix
Type of Research Design:
Descriptive
Why:
This study aims to measure and compare performance outcomes between two existing groups without manipulating variables. It involves observing and describing differences, which characterizes a descriptive design. The goal is to gather information about grade performance in different settings, making descriptive research appropriate.
2. Capturing key population characteristics and testing hypotheses
Type of Research Design:
Descriptive
Why:
The research seeks to identify characteristics and make inferences about a population, often involving statistical analyses and hypothesis testing. This aligns with the descriptive design, which focuses on depicting features of a population and employing inference to understand broader trends.
3. Investigating consumer acceptance of a new sweetener
Type of Research Design:
Exploratory
Why:
Since the manufacturer is exploring whether consumers will purchase a new product, it indicates an initial investigation into consumer preferences. This exploratory approach helps gather preliminary insights for future product development or testing.
4. Answering fundamental questions: who, what, when, where, how much
Type of Research Design:
Descriptive
Why:
This scenario involves collecting factual data about the current state or certain variables, characteristic of descriptive research. It aims to describe and quantify aspects without necessarily establishing cause-effect relationships.
5. Testing pricing effects on entrees at Amtrak
Type of Research Design:
Causal
Why:
The scenario involves an experimental manipulation (changing prices) to observe its effect on consumer behavior. Causal research seeks to identify cause-effect relationships, making it appropriate here.
6. Assessing the impact of a spokesperson on cereal sales
Type of Research Design:
Causal
Why:
This research tests whether endorsement by an Olympic athlete causes an increase in sales, which involves manipulating the independent variable (spokesperson) and measuring its effect. Consequently, a causal design fits this purpose.
7. Using secret shoppers to uncover departmental issues
Type of Research Design:
Descriptive
Why:
Secret shopper assessments observe and describe customer service quality and operational issues. It does not involve manipulation or hypothesis testing but aims to describe the current state of service, aligning with descriptive research.
8. Generating solutions for customer complaints via survey
Type of Research Design:
Exploratory
Why:
The survey is used to identify potential solutions, which suggests an initial probing of options rather than testing a hypothesis or describing a population. Therefore, exploratory research is suitable for generating ideas and understanding possible remedies.
9. Profiling customers within a neighborhood
Type of Research Design:
Descriptive
Why:
Collecting demographic information about customers in a defined area is aimed at describing the customer base. It involves capturing existing characteristics without manipulating variables, aligning with descriptive design.
10. Assessing potential for new organic food line through stakeholder interviews
Type of Research Design:
Descriptive
Why:
Interviewing stakeholders to understand market potential provides descriptive insights about opinions, preferences, and perceptions. It does not involve experimenting or hypothesis testing, making it suitable for descriptive research.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct research design is vital for effective and valid conclusions. Descriptive research is commonly employed to characterize populations or markets, exploratory research helps generate initial ideas or understandings, and causal research is essential when testing cause-effect hypotheses. Each scenario discussed falls into these categories based on its objectives and methods, emphasizing the importance of aligning research design with research questions.
References
Babbie, E. (2010). The Practice of Social Research. Wadsworth Publishing.
Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods. Oxford University Press.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
Hair, J. F., Wolfinbarger, M., Money, A. H., Samouel, P., & Page, M. J. (2011). Essentials of Business Research Methods. M.E. Sharpe.
Malhotra, N. K. (2010). Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation. Pearson Education.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2016). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson.
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2014). Business Research Methods. McGraw-Hill Education. Robson, C. (2011). Real World Research. Wiley.
Yin, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B., Carr, J. C., & Griffin, M. (2013). Business Research Methods. Cengage Learning.
