Research methods: Qualitative vs Quantitative
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A company wants to understand the nuanced experiences of its long-term customers with a particular product. Which qualitative research method would be most suitable to gain in-depth insights into individual perspectives?

  • Correlational research
  • Interviews (correct)
  • Experimental research
  • Focus groups

A business aims to identify common usability issues on its website and gather diverse opinions on potential design improvements. Which qualitative method would efficiently collect feedback from a broad range of users?

  • Causal-comparative research
  • Focus groups (correct)
  • Case study research
  • Ethnographic Research

A company suspects a link between employee satisfaction and productivity but needs to statistically confirm if a relationship exists before investing in new initiatives. What quantitative research method should they employ?

  • Ethnographic research
  • Website visitor profiling
  • Correlational research (correct)
  • Case study

A technology company aims to understand how users from different cultural backgrounds interact with its new app to inform culturally sensitive design changes. Which qualitative method is most appropriate?

<p>Ethnographic research (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A marketing team wants to determine if a new advertising campaign ($X$) causes an increase in product sales ($Y$). Which quantitative research method should they use?

<p>Experimental research (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A small business owner notices a sharp decline in sales after a competitor launched a similar product. Lacking resources for large-scale studies, they decide to deeply analyze their own company's sales data, customer feedback, and internal processes over the past year to identify potential weaknesses. Which research method are they employing?

<p>Case study research (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company wants to gauge initial reactions to different versions of its new website design, specifically focusing on user interface preferences and overall appeal. They plan to collect data from users as they browse the test websites. Which research method is most relevant?

<p>Website visitor profiling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A retail chain implements a new customer loyalty program in half of its stores, while the other half continues with the existing program. After six months, they compare sales data between the two groups to assess the new program's effectiveness. Which quantitative research method is being used?

<p>Experimental research (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company wants to determine if a new marketing strategy will increase sales. To do this, they test the strategy in one region and compare the sales to a region where the strategy isn't implemented. What type of research is this?

<p>Experimental (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating the impact of employee satisfaction on productivity. They hypothesize that higher satisfaction leads to increased productivity. What is the independent variable in this scenario?

<p>Employee satisfaction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial step in the scientific method of research?

<p>Identifying the problem (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A research introduction should primarily aim to do which of the following?

<p>Stimulate reader interest and provide context. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher relies on existing company reports, industry publications, and academic articles to gather information for their study. Which research method is being employed?

<p>Literature research (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might business research sometimes yield inaccurate information, even when following the scientific method?

<p>Biased populations or small focus groups can skew results. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After collecting and analyzing data, what is the next logical step in the scientific method of research?

<p>Offering recommendations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which section of a research report provides the reader with the study's background, purpose, and direction?

<p>Introduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company notices a decline in online sales. Which business research method would be MOST suitable to understand the underlying reasons for this decline?

<p>Using qualitative research methods to conduct in-depth interviews with customers about their online shopping experience. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A marketing manager wants to assess the impact of a new advertising campaign on brand perception. Which research approach would be the MOST effective?

<p>A large-scale quantitative survey to measure changes in brand awareness and attitudes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would benefit MOST from a correlational business research approach?

<p>Exploring the relationship between social media engagement and website traffic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company wants to improve its reputation management. How can business research contribute MOST effectively to this goal?

<p>By conducting surveys to understand stakeholder perceptions and address their concerns. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limitation of business research?

<p>It is often based on assumptions, which may not reflect reality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research questions is best addressed using a causal-comparative research design?

<p>How does a new customer service training program affect customer satisfaction scores? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company aims to understand how packaging changes impact product sales. Which quantitative research method would be MOST appropriate?

<p>Implementing a survey to collect data on customer preferences related to the new and old packaging. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A business seeks to identify potential problems and make informed decisions using research insights. What is the FIRST step they should take?

<p>Clearly define the research problem or question they want to address. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In research, what is the primary role of an independent variable?

<p>To predict or explain an event or outcome. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating the impact of a new training program on employee productivity. Which variable would be considered the dependent variable?

<p>Employee productivity levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of an effective research title?

<p>It concisely reflects the variables and their relationship within the study. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of formulating a hypothesis in research?

<p>To state an educated guess about the relationship between variables. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In hypothesis testing, what distinguishes a null hypothesis from an alternative hypothesis?

<p>The null hypothesis is a statement of no effect or no difference, while the alternative proposes an effect or difference. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When defining the 'Statement of the Problem' in a research study, what should be its primary focus?

<p>Identifying a disturbing situation that requires investigation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is most important when formulating a research problem?

<p>It should be narrow to focus the inquiry. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company is facing high employee turnover and wants to understand the underlying causes. According to the information provided, which Human Resource Management theory could best help them investigate the motivational factors behind this issue?

<p>Expectancy Theory by Vroom (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating the impact of a new advertising campaign on consumer behavior. Which theoretical framework would be most suitable to explain why the campaign is (or isn't) effective?

<p>Diffusion of Innovation model by Rogers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An entrepreneur is launching a startup with a strong social mission. Which concept would be most relevant for them to understand?

<p>Social Entrepreneurship by Leadbeater (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A financial analyst is constructing a portfolio and wants to optimize the trade-off between risk and return. Which model should the analyst employ?

<p>Modern Portfolio Theory by Markowitz (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company is experiencing low employee motivation. Applying McGregor's theories, what action illustrates an attempt to shift from 'Theory X' to 'Theory Y' management?

<p>Increasing opportunities for employee autonomy and self-direction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project manager is deciding on the most appropriate leadership style for a team with varying levels of experience and expertise. Which leadership theory would be most applicable?

<p>Situational Theory by Blanchard (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A grocery retailer is analyzing their operational strategy with the intent to compete with larger organizations. Which approach would be most helpful in understanding how retailers often evolve to offer more services and higher prices over time?

<p>Wheel of Retailing theory by McNair (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of a hypothesis in research?

<p>To prove the researcher's initial assumptions are correct (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A marketing manager is tasked with developing a comprehensive marketing plan. Which framework would be MOST helpful for considering the key elements of the marketing mix?

<p>4P's in Marketing by McCarthy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to study the impact of social media on teenage mental health. Which of the following best illustrates a suitable scope statement for this study?

<p>The study will focus on the correlation between the time spent on Instagram and self-reported anxiety levels among teenagers aged 15-17 in Metro Manila. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A research study explores the effectiveness of a new teaching method in improving student test scores. What would be considered a delimitation of the study?

<p>Focusing solely on mathematics test scores and excluding other subjects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a research study to have clearly defined delimitations?

<p>To manage the study's focus, resources and ensure the research questions can be answered effectively. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a study on the effect of exercise on stress levels, the researcher defines 'stress' as the score obtained on a standardized stress assessment questionnaire. Which type of definition is being used?

<p>Operational definition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the impact of sleep duration on academic performance. Which of the following best demonstrates an operational definition of 'sleep duration'?

<p>&quot;Sleep duration&quot; in this study, is the number of hours recorded using a sleep tracking app on participants' smartphones over seven consecutive days . (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When constructing the definition of terms in research, what is the recommended order when providing multiple types of definitions for a term?

<p>Lexical, Authoritative, Operational (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to format terms in the Definition of Terms section of a research paper?

<p>Academic Achievement - a student's grade point average. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which part of a research work would you typically find a discussion of who will benefit from the findings of the study?

<p>Significance of the Study (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Research?

Organized, systematic, data-based, objective, scientific inquiry to solve a specific problem.

Business Research

Improving organizational performance through relevant data gathering and analysis.

Qualitative Research

Exploring in-depth insights, attitudes and behaviors (non-numerical).

Quantitative Research

Collecting and analyzing numerical data (statistics).

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Focus Groups

Assessing behavior and feedback from a selected group of individuals.

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Interviews (Research)

In-depth discussions with a smaller number of subjects.

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Case Study Research

In-depth analysis of a particular situation to understand customer satisfaction.

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Ethnographic Research

Understanding a target audience's culture and behavior in their environment.

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Surveys

Asking specific questions to a large group of potential/existing customers, conducted online or offline to improve products/services.

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Causal-comparative Research

Comparing two situations to analyze how distinct variables influence outcomes, often involving an independent and dependent variable.

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Correlational Research

Analyzing how two separate entities influence each other using mathematical techniques to understand business outcomes.

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Advantages of Business Research

Helps in identifying research problems, making informed decisions, keeping up with market trends, and managing business reputation.

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Disadvantages of Business Research

Business research can be limited as the insights generated are based on assumptions.

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Experimental Research

Research method that proves or disproves a theory through experiments and observation.

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Literature Research

Using existing offline/online resources to analyze and investigate a topic.

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Variable

A quality or characteristic that can be measured and takes on different values.

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Independent Variable

Variables manipulated and controlled by the researcher.

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Hypothesis

Initial explanation which is supposed to be tested through investigation.

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Identify the problem

First step in the scientific method. Clear problem definition allows precise study focus.

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Introduction

Provides background and purpose of the study; gives direction to the readers..

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Contents of Introduction

An overview giving context and rationale of the study

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Functions of a Hypothesis

Aids researchers in analyzing findings and drawing study conclusions, even when disproven.

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Theoretical Framework

Introduces the existing theory that explains why a research problem exists.

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Research Title

A concise statement that gives an idea of what the research is all about, ideally 15 words or less.

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Porter's Five Forces

Analyzes industry attractiveness and competitive intensity.

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SERVQUAL Theory

Measures service quality based on customer perceptions and expectations.

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Null Hypothesis

A negative statement that does not show the relationship between variables.

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Situational Theory

States leadership depends on task behavior and relationship behavior.

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Alternative Hypothesis

A positive statement that shows a relationship between variables.

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Scientific Management Principles

Focuses on efficiency and standardization in the workplace.

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Theory X & Theory Y

Theory X assumes employees dislike work; Theory Y assumes employees are self-motivated.

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Statement of the Problem

An expression of a difficult situation that needs inquiry or investigation.

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Expectancy Theory by Vroom

Motivation increases corresponding to a person's expectations.

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Conceptual Framework

Illustrates expected research findings and variable relationships.

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Significance of the Study

Acknowledges individuals and groups that benefit from research outcomes, highlighting its broader impact.

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Scope and Delimitations

Sets the boundaries and focus of a study, clarifying what will and will not be included.

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Conceptual Definition

An abstract, theoretical definition of a concept derived from existing literature.

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Operational Definition

Defines a term based on how the researcher uses it within their specific study.

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Lexical Definition

A definition of a term as it appears in a dictionary.

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Authoritative Definition

A term definition based on recognized authoritative sources or experts in the field.

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Alphabetical Order

Terms in a definition section should be arranged in this order.

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Definition Order (Multiple)

Lexical, Authoritative, Operational. This dictates the arrangement for multiple definitions.

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Study Notes

  • Research is an organized, systematic, data-based, objective, scientific inquiry into a specific problem or issue for which a solution or answer is sought.
  • Business research improves a business's organizational performance through the gathering and analyzing of relevant data regarding its operations.

Qualitative Research Methods

  • Focus Groups
  • Ethnographic Research
  • Case Study
  • Interviews
  • Website visitor research

Quantitative Research Methods

  • Survey research
  • Correlational research
  • Causal-comparative research
  • Experimental research
  • Literature research

Types of Research: Qualitative

  • Involves getting relevant data through open-ended communication
  • This method discovers the exact motivations behind the public's actions, with a purpose of increasing interest in the goods and services businesses sell.

Types of Qualitative Business Research

  • Focus groups involve selecting a specific group of people and assessing their behavior and feedback regarding certain products or services.
  • Interviews generally involve a smaller number of subjects than focus groups.
  • Case study research assesses customer satisfaction by discovering the main challenges that customers face when buying or using a specific product or service.
  • Ethnographic research attempts to understand the target audience's culture and behavior toward the company's products and services.
  • Website visitor profiling involves using surveys to collect data from people visiting a company's website, which can help businesses understand their target audience's interaction with their website and assess their online presence.

Quantitative Business Research

  • Quantitative research methods rely on large amounts of data and use various statistical and mathematical techniques to draw relevant conclusions.

Types of Quantitative Business Research

  • Surveys involve asking a specific set of questions to a large number of potential and existing customers, and are conducted both online and offline to improve decision-making processes.
  • Causal-comparative research compares two situations to analyze how distinct variables can influence their outcome which usually requires an independent variable and a dependent variable.
  • Correlational research uses mathematical analysis techniques to analyze how two separate entities influence each other in order to understand how company actions influence their business outcome.
  • Experimental research involves conducting experimental research with the purpose of proving or disproving a certain theory, used to assess various hypotheses by carrying out experiments and observing their results.
  • Literature research involves using offline and online existing literature, employed as an effective and economical research method mainly used in sales about consumer behaviors.

Advantages of Business Research

  • It helps identify research problems.
  • It enables a company to stay up-to-date with the market and its trends.
  • It can measure reputation management.
  • It improves understanding of customers.

Disadvantages of Business Research

  • It is often based on assumptions
  • It can be time-consuming.
  • It can give inaccurate information based on a biased population or small focus group.

Steps in Scientific Method of Research

  • Identify the problem.
  • Form a hypothesis.
  • Search for literature.
  • Design the study.
  • Develop research instruments.
  • Collect data.
  • Analyze and interpret data.
  • Summarize findings and draw conclusions.
  • Offer recommendations.

Research Variables

  • A variable is an attribute, quality, or characteristic of a person or object that takes on different values, which can be measured quantitatively or qualitatively.

Types of Variables

  • Independent Variable: Variables that are manipulated and controlled by researchers, also called explanatory variables or predictor variables.
  • Dependent Variable: Variables that are affected by changes in the independent variables, also called response variables or outcome variables in statistics.

Research Title

  • The title gives an idea of the central topic of the research.
  • Research titles should be concise, clearly stated, and no more than 15 words, consisting of different variables showing their relationship to one another.

Introduction

  • Briefly discusses the background and purpose of conducting the study.
  • Gives the reader the direction of the study and stimulates their interest.

Contents of an Introduction

  • Context of the study and its historical background in the rationale
  • Authoritative viewpoints on the problem
  • Legal bases, if any and mandated
  • Interest of the researchers
  • The purpose of the study in relation to the problem is emphasized.

Statement of the Problem

  • It is an expression of a predicament or disturbing situation that needs inquiry or investigation.
  • It should identify the nature of addressed problems, be broad enough to include central concerns, and narrow enough to serve the purpose of the inquiry.
  • Limit the use of WHAT questions.

Hypothesis

  • An educated guess about the effects of particular variables on other variables.
  • Hypotheses can be stated negatively (null hypothesis) or positively (alternative hypothesis).

Functions of a Hypothesis

  • Helps researchers analyze, interpret findings, and draw conclusions.
  • When a hypothesis is not confirmed by evidence, it forces researchers to analyze the theory and explore alternative explanations.
  • Induces critical thinking for data interpretation.

Theoretical Framework

  • Introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem exists, used for studies based on existing theories.

Conceptual Framework

  • Illustrates what you expect to find through your research and how the variables you are considering might relate to each other.

Significance of the Study

  • Determines the beneficiaries of the research, identifying its contributions to researchers and the community.

Scope, Limitations, and Delimitations of the Study

  • Researchers must put boundaries and limitations on the scope of their study, ensuring it is broad enough to include the central concern but narrow enough to serve the purpose of an inquiry.
  • The scope spells out the context of the study and encloses the statements of the problem.
  • The limitations refer to shortfalls and constraints that might affect the accuracy and precision of the results.

Definition of Terms

  • Conceptual Definition: An abstract meaning of concepts or terms being studied based on latest books.
  • Operational Definition: The researcher's own definition of terms based on how they are used in the study (within the context of the study).
  • Lexical Definition: Dictionary definition of a term.

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Explore the optimal qualitative and quantitative research methods for various business and technology scenarios. Learn how to gather in-depth customer insights, identify usability issues, confirm statistical relationships, and understand cultural influences on user experiences.

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