BRT201B Business Research Theory-feasibility of the research are likely to be pr

1. The first step in research is to accurately identify the research problem. It is essential that a research problem is correctly defined, otherwise the validity, reliability, quality and feasibility of the research are likely to be problematic. Essentially, the research problem must not be too broad. It must be specific, feasible, useful and practical. Below are examples of research topics. For each one:

a) State whether it is an acceptable or poor research topic. (5)
b) Explain your answer. (5)

An investigation into social media.    

An investigation into the field of customer service.

An investigation of how the COVID-19 epidemic impacted logistics at Company XYZ in 2020.
An investigation into customer service at Pick n Pay.
An investigation into how food packaging colours influence consumer perceptions of the product.

2. Below are five research objectives. For each one:

a) State whether the type of research approach will be exploratory, descriptive or causal and explain your answer. (10)
b) State whether the most appropriate research methodology to use would be qualitative or quantitative and explain your answer. (10)

To understand University X student perceptions of University X’s online learning platform.
To determine the relationship between price reductions of Product X and subsequent sales of Product X.
To identify how many of College X’s students have permanent access to the Internet at their residence.
To identify the demographics of Company X’s customers.
To assess the effectiveness of medicine A on coughs, runny noses, chest pain and sore throats.

3. Identify three (3) conditions under which it is appropriate to use random sampling.

4. Identify two conditions under which it is appropriate to use non-probability sampling.