Chapter Five

Exploratory Research Design: Qualitative Research

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A Classification of Marketing Research Data

Marketing Research Data

Secondary Data

Primary Data

Qualitative Data Descriptive Survey Data Observational and Other Data

Quantitative Data Causal Experimental Data

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Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research Objective To gain a qualitative understanding of the underlying reasons and motivations Small number of nonrepresentative cases Unstructured Non-statistical Develop an initial understanding Quantitative Research To quantify the data and generalize the results from the sample to the population of interest Large number of representative cases Structured Statistical Recommend a final course of action

Sample Data Collection Data Analysis Outcome

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A Classification of Qualitative Research Procedures

Qualitative Research Procedures

Direct (Non disguised)

Indirect (Disguised) Projective Techniques

Focus Groups

Depth Interviews

Association Techniques

Completion Techniques

Construction Techniques

Expressive Techniques

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Focus group

An interview conducted by a trained moderator among a small group of respondents in an unstructured and natural manner.

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Characteristics of Focus Groups

Group Size Group Composition Physical Setting Time Duration Recording Moderator 8-12 Homogeneous respondents, prescreened Relaxed, informal atmosphere 1-3 hours Use of audiocassettes and videotapes Observational, interpersonal, and communication skills of the moderator

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Procedure for Planning and Conducting Focus Groups

Determine the Objectives and Define the Problem

Specify the Objectives of Qualitative Research

State the Questions to be Answered by Focus Groups

Write a Screening Questionnaire Develop a Moderators Outline Conduct the Focus Group Interviews Review Tapes and Analyze the Data Summarize the Findings and Plan Follow-Up Research or Action

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Advantages of Focus Groups

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Synergism Snowballing Stimulation Spontaneity of respondent Specialization- Expert Scientific scrutiny- Recording can be analyzed Speed

7.

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Disadvantages of Focus Groups

1. Misuse- Results are used as conclusive research 2. Misjudge because qualitative data 3. Moderation 4. Messy- coding, analysis difficult 5. Misrepresentation of population

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Depth Interview Techniques: Laddering

In laddering, the line of questioning proceeds from product characteristics to user characteristics. This technique allows the researcher to tap into the consumer's network of meanings. Wide body aircrafts I can get more work done I accomplish more I feel good about myself (user characteristic- Social) (product characteristic)

Advertising theme: You will feel good about yourself when flying our airline. You're The Boss.

Depth Interview Techniques: Hidden Issue Questioning In hidden issue questioning, the focus is not on socially shared values but rather on personal Pain spots; not on general lifestyles but on deeply felt personal concerns. (Individual)

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Ex. Work life

Depth Interview Techniques: Symbolic Analysis

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Symbolic analysis attempts to analyze the symbolic meaning of objects by comparing them with their opposites. The logical opposites of a product that are investigated are: non-usage of the product, attributes of an imaginary non-product, and opposite types of products. If no airlines I have to rely on email, phone. Meaning is it gives face to face communication.

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Definition of Projective Techniques

An unstructured, indirect form of questioning that encourages respondents to project their underlying motivations, beliefs, attitudes or feelings regarding the issues of concern. In projective techniques, respondents are asked to interpret the behavior of others. In interpreting the behavior of others, respondents indirectly project their own motivations, beliefs, attitudes, or feelings into the situation.

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Word Association
In word association, respondents are presented with a list of words, one at a time and asked to respond to each with the first word that comes to mind. The words of interest, called test words, are interspersed throughout the list which also contains some neutral, or filler words to disguise the purpose of the study. Responses are analyzed by calculating: (1) the frequency with which any word is given as a response; (2) the amount of time that elapses before a response is given; and (3) the number of respondents who do not respond at all to a test word within a reasonable period of time. Ex. Fairness

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Word Association
EXAMPLE

STIMULUS wash fresh pure scrub bubbles towels Beauty Bathing soap

MRS. M everyday sweet air do bath dirty Fairness Clean

MRS. C ironing clean soiled clean soap & water wash Model Fairness

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Completion Techniques
In Sentence completion, respondents are given incomplete sentences and asked to complete them. Generally, they are asked to use the first word or phrase that comes to mind. A person who shops at Big Bazaar is _____________________ A person who receives a gift from wife, would be_____________

Dove soap is most liked by _________________________

When I think of shopping in a department store, I ________

A variation of sentence completion is paragraph completion, in which the respondent completes a paragraph beginning with the stimulus phrase.

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Completion Techniques
In story completion, respondents are given part of a story enough to direct attention to a particular topic but not to hint at the ending. They are required to give the conclusion in their own words. Ex. A Student of 10 years old went school. After school time is over he was coming back. In the way he slipped in the muddy water.

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Construction Techniques
With a picture response, the respondents are asked to describe a series of pictures of ordinary as well as unusual events. The respondent's interpretation of the pictures gives indications of that individual's personality. Ex. Scene of Nature In cartoon tests, cartoon characters are shown in a specific situation related to the problem. The respondents are asked to indicate what one cartoon character might say in response to the comments of another character.

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A Cartoon Test
Big Bazaar

Lets see if we can pick up some house wares at Big Bazaar

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Expressive Techniques
In expressive techniques, respondents are presented with a verbal or visual situation and asked to relate the feelings and attitudes of other people to the situation. Role playing Respondents are asked to play the role or assume the behavior of someone else. Ex. Case Study

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Advantages of Projective Techniques

They may elicit responses that subjects would be unwilling or unable to give if they knew the purpose of the study. Helpful when the issues to be addressed are personal, sensitive, or subject to strong social norms. Helpful when underlying motivations, beliefs, and attitudes are operating at a subconscious level.

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Advantages of Projective Techniques (Contd)

Projective techniques should be used because the required information cannot be accurately obtained by direct methods. Projective techniques should be used for exploratory research to gain initial insights and understanding.

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Disadvantages of Projective Techniques

Suffer from many of the disadvantages of unstructured direct techniques (coding, analysis) Require highly trained interviewers. Skilled interpreters are also required to analyze the responses. There is a serious risk of interpretation bias. They tend to be expensive. May require respondents to engage in unusual behavior. Given their complexity, projective techniques should not be used Plainly.

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Comparison of Focus Groups and Projective Techniques

Criteria
1. Degree of Structure 2. Probing of individual respondents 3. Moderator bias 4. Interpretation bias 5. Uncovering subconscious information 6. Discovering innovative information 7. Obtaining sensitive information 8. Involve unusual behavior or questioning 9. Overall usefulness

Focus Groups
Relatively high Low Relatively medium Relatively low Low High

Projective Techniques
Relatively low Medium to High High Relatively high High Low High Yes Somewhat useful

Low
No Highly useful