Answer to Question 1
Objectivity and replicability are two characteristics of scientific inquiry, and many would question whether exploratory research using qualitative research tools can satisfy these. A focus group or a depth interview or a TAT alone does not best represent a complete scientific inquiry. However, if the thoughts discovered through these techniques survive preliminary evaluations and are developed into research hypotheses, they can be further tested. Thus, exploratory research approaches using qualitative research tools are very much a part of scientific inquiry. In practice, many marketing decisions are based solely on the results of exploratory research as a scientific decision process is not always justified. However, as the risk increases, the confidence that comes along with a rigorous research and decision process becomes well worth the investment. The primary barriers to scientific decisions are (1) time, (2) money, and (3) emotion.
Answer to Question 2
d