Exploratory research is initial research conducted to clarify and define the nature of a problem. It does not provide conclusive evidence but aims to discover new ideas and screen alternatives to inform subsequent research. Common methods of exploratory research include secondary data analysis, experience surveys, case studies, and pilot studies which employ techniques like focus groups, projective techniques, and in-depth interviews. The goal is to diagnose situations and concept test ideas in a qualitative way before definitive research is conducted.
2. Exploratory Research
Initial research conducted to clarify and
define the nature of a problem
Does not provide conclusive evidence
Subsequent research expected
4. Why Conduct Exploratory
Research?
Diagnose a situation
Screening of alternatives
Discover new ideas
5. Concept Testing
Exploratory research procedure that tests
some sort of stimulus as a proxy for an idea
about a new, revised, or repositioned
product
6. Categories of Exploratory
Research
Experience surveys
Secondary data analysis
Case studies
Pilot studies
7. Experience Surveys
Ask knowledgeable individuals about a
particular research problem
most are quite willing
8. If you wish to know the road up the
mountain, you must ask the man who
goes back and forth on it.
- Zenrinkusi
9. Secondary Data Analysis
Data collected for a purpose other than the
project at hand
Economical
Quick source for background information
10. Case Study Method
Intensely investigates one or a few
situations similar to the problem
Investigate in depth
Careful study
May require cooperation
11. Pilot Study
A collective term
Any small scale exploratory study that uses
sampling
But does not apply rigorous standards
12. Pilot Studies
Focus Group
Interviews
Projective Techniques
In-Depth Interviews
13. Projective Techniques
Word association tests
Sentence completion method
Third-person technique
Role playing
T.A.T.
Picture frustration version of T.A.T.
14. A man is least himself when he talks
in his own person; when given a mask
he will tell the truth.
--Oscar Wilde
15. Word Association
Subject is presented with a list of words
Asked to respond with first word that comes
to mind
19. Sentence Completion
People who never reaches on time
are__________
Females are more preferred as boss
by__________
People who work late are_________
21. Focus Group Interviews
Unstructured
Free flowing
Group interview
Start with broad topic
and focus in on
specific issues
22. Group Composition
6 to 10 people
Relatively
homogeneous
Similar lifestyles and
experiences
23. Outline for a Focus Group
Establish a rapport
Begin with broad topic
Focus in on specific topic
Generate discussion and interaction
24. The Moderator
Develops rapport -
helps people relax
Interacts
Listens to what people
have to say
Everyone gets a
chance to speak
25. The Focus Group Moderator
Maintains loose control and focuses
discussion
Stimulates spontaneous responses
26. Advantages of focus Group
Interview
Synergy
Snowballing
Stimulation
Security
Spontaneity
Specialization
Scrutiny
Structure
speed
27. Advantages of Online
Focus Groups
Fast
Inexpensive
Bring together many participants from
wide-spread geographical areas
Respondent anonymity
Transcript automatically recorded
28. Disadvantages of Online
Focus Groups
Less group interaction
Absence of tactile stimulation
Absence of facial expression and body
language
Moderators job is different