Compare and contrast exploratory, descriptive, and causal ...

[stevenposner]

Compare and contrast exploratory, descriptive, and causal research. Which approach is the best?

Question 2

In a marketing plan, the executive summary is typically followed immediately by a situation analysis.
 a. True
  b. False
 Indicate whether the statement is true or false

[nmyers]

Answer to Question 1

Exploratory research is conducted to clarify ambiguous situations or discover ideas that may be potential business opportunities. It is not intended to provide conclusive evidence from which to determine a particular course of action. In this sense, it is not an end unto itself, and researchers usually undertake this form of research with the full expectation that more research will be needed to provide more conclusive evidence.

Descriptive research describes characteristics of objects, people, groups, organizations, or environments. It addresses who, what, when, where, why, and how questions. Unlike exploratory research, descriptive studies are conducted with a considerable understanding of the situation being studies.

Causal research allows causal inferences to be made. Exploratory and/or descriptive research usually precedes causal research. In causal studies, researchers typically have a good understanding of the phenomena being studied and can make an educated prediction about the cause and effect relationships that will be tested.

No single method is the best.. The most appropriate type and the amount of research needed are determined in part by how much uncertainty surrounds the marketing situation motivating the research. Exploratory research is conducted during the early stages of decision making, whereas descriptive and causal research are often conducted in the later stages.

Answer to Question 2

True