Field Research Flashcards
What is sampling?
The total of potential customers of a business’s product is known as the population.
This is selecting people from that population to conduct market research on, that can be used.
What are methods of sampling?
- Random sampling
- Quota sampling
What is random sampling?
Random sampling refers to when the sample is picked randomly, e.g using a telephone directory or list of customers.
What are random sampling advantages?
- No bias is shown by researcher.
- Saves time in selecting the sample.
What are random sampling disadvantage?
- Samples may not reflect the target market.
- Can over-represent a certain segment, e.g all males could be chosen at random.
- Can be expensive as many calls may have to be made if customers lists are not up-to-date.
What is quota sampling?
Quota sampling refers to when the researcher chooses from a group of people with certain characteristics.
What are quota sampling advantages?
- Quick and easy method as group lists are pre-made.
- Can select customers that reflect the target market.
What are quota sampling disadvantages?
- The exact sample from each group is not randomised, so researcher bias could be involved.
What is telephone survey?
A market researcher telephones customers, usually at home, and asks them questions.
What are advantages of a telephone survey?
- Easy to targets specific customers.
- Information is obtained immediately and can be clarified if necessary.
What are disadvantages of telephone survey?
- Customers can feel that telephone surveys are intrusive and may not wish to respond.
- Only short surveys can be carried out.
What is a postal survey?
A survey is sent to customers through the post and is returned once completed.
What are advantages of postal survey?
- Easy to target specific customers.
- Customers can choose to complete the survey at a time that is most convenient to them.
What are disadvantages of postal survey?
- Questions must be simple and easy to follow for the best result.
- Customers often view postal surveys as ‘junk mail’ and will simply ignore them.
What are online surveys?
A website or email is used to ask customers questions.