Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods:

  • Surveys and questionnaires involve collecting data through structured questions, typically using large samples through personal interviews, telephone, and online surveys.
  • Experiments are controlled studies aimed at identifying cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Sociometry involves measuring and analyzing relationships within social groups.

Qualitative Research Methods:

  • In-depth Interviews: individual conversations with key informants to obtain detailed, in-depth opinions and experiences.
  • Group/Pair Interviews: interviews with 2-3 informants on a given topic.
  • Focus Groups: group discussions with representatives of the target audience to identify common opinions.
  • Observation involves systematic monitoring of the behavior of research subjects.
  • Business games involve creating scenarios to simulate business situations.

Expert Research Methods:

  • Expert Interviews – conversations with experts in a specific field to obtain qualitative information.
  • The Delphi Method involves systematically surveying experts to achieve consensus on complex issues.

Methods in Marketing (for Business):

  • Mystery Shopper – anonymous shoppers used to assess service quality and compliance with standards.
  • Retail Audit – analysis and evaluation of product performance on store shelves.
  • Consumer Surveys – collecting opinions and preferences of end consumers.
  • User Experience (UX) Research – assessing users’ perception and interaction with products or services to improve their design.
  • Design Research – analysis of product, interface, or service design to optimize user experience.

Other Research Methods:

  • Case Study – in-depth analysis of a specific case or project.
  • Mapping – visual representation of relationships and information structure.
  • Meta-Analysis – analysis and synthesis of results from multiple studies on one topic.
  • Remote Research – data collection and conducting research using remote access technologies, such as online surveys and video conferences.
  • Desktop Research – using computer programs and analytical tools to analyze data and obtain research results.
  • Social Media and Big Data Analytics – using data from social media to analyze trends, opinions, and user interactions on selected topics.
  • Semiotic Analysis – studying semiotic elements (signs, symbols, signals) to understand the meaning of their use.
  • Trend Analysis – analyzing current and future trends in society, business, or technology to forecast changes.
  • Content Analysis – analyzing textual or multimedia content to extract meaningful patterns and themes.
  • Systems Analysis – studying complex systems and their relationships to understand long-term effects.
  • Correlation Analysis – measuring the degree of relationship between two variables to understand close connections and the influence of one variable on another.
  • Regression Analysis – assessing the nature and strength of the relationship between dependent and independent variables and forecasting the value of the dependent variable based on the values of other variables.
  • Conference Research – participation in professional conferences to exchange knowledge and experiences with other researchers.