RESEARCH PROJECT

Small-Scale Research Project In A Local Estate Agent

[Name of the Student]

[Name of the Institute]

Table of Contents

Discussion1

Quantitative or Qualitative Approach1

Data Collection Techniques4

Question Structure6

Key Words8

Gantt chart11

Research Ethics14

References16

Bibliography17

Small-Scale Research Project In A Local Estate Agent

Discussion

Quantitative or Qualitative Approach

Conducting a research means to find an answer to a question. It starts with the existence of a problem. The research process is to collect, analyze and summarize data and then interpret this data into meaningful information. There are two methodologies that can be used to conduct a research project, one is qualitative approach and the other is quantitative approach. Qualitative research is basically an exploratory research used to expose innovation trends in thoughts and opinions. Data collection techniques, used in qualitative research approach, are usually unstructured or semi structured. Data collection techniques include focus groups, detailed interviews, triads and steady observation. These techniques are applicable where the sample size is small. Moreover, bulletin boards and ethnographic predication can be used as qualitative data collection techniques. According to Flyvbjerg, B. (2O11), qualitative research methods can be used for hypothesis testing as well as for generalized case studies.

On the other hand, quantitative research method is a systemic may to investigate a social phenomenon with the help of statistical, mathematical or computational tools (Given, L.M., 2008). Quantitative research method basically deals with numerical data. Quantitative data collection tools are used to generate numerical data further, quantitative techniques transforms this data into meaningful statistics. Quantitative techniques are usually applied to examine a specific hypothesis to bring a final conclusion in to action. Quantitative research approach usually caters large sample of the population. These techniques include online survey, telephonic and paper surveys as well as audits and purchase transactions. However, a fine blend of both quantitative and qualitative techniques can be used according to the scenario of the case which is to be study Esiner, (1991).Quantitative research methods are more applicable on the subject area like psychology, economics, political science or mathematics. On the other hand, subject area like history is subjected to qualitative research approach.

Decision to choose a research method for the research process is very crucial as the strategies of the business are supposed to plan according to the outcome of the research project. The very first step, selection of research method, is the most important step as the mistake at this point can ruin the overall process. For this particular case of local estate agent, a fine blend of qualitative as well as quantitative research approach is suitable. Since it is small scale research project of a small local business, therefore, a small sample of the customers would be required to conduct a small scale research about custom's satisfaction. Reason to use qualitative research approach is that satisfaction is not a concrete mass; it is a qualitative feature that can be evaluated by using qualitative techniques. Reason to add a flavour of quantitative research approach is that it provides better options to communication closely with the customers. In this particular scenario information can be ...