Topic 4 DQ 1 Assessment Description: Qualitative Research Tr

Topic 4 Dq 1assessment Descriptionqualitative Research Tends To Use Sm

Topic 4 DQ 1 Assessment Description Qualitative research tends to use small samples to examine a problem instead of using large samples as in quantitative research. With fewer people in the sample, it is important for the participants to be information-rich informants. With that in mind, consider the strengths and weaknesses of purposeful, convenience, and random sampling approaches in qualitative research. Then, assume you are an automobile manufacturing executive tasked with increasing sales in your state. You wish to do a qualitative study to obtain the perspective of sales personnel regarding an incentive program you implemented at a few dealerships that quantitatively proved to be successful.

What sampling approach would you use to identify and select the 12-15 information-rich personnel from the target population? What eligibility criteria would you use in addition to being sales personnel in a dealership of this manufacturer in the given state? What logistic difficulties would you anticipate in drawing your sample? Explain your answers.

Paper For Above instruction

In qualitative research, selecting an appropriate sampling method is crucial because of the emphasis on obtaining rich, detailed data from a small, targeted group. When investigating the perspectives of sales personnel regarding an incentive program in the context of increasing automobile sales, purposeful sampling is often preferred, given its ability to identify information-rich participants who can provide deep insights into the topic. This approach allows the researcher to intentionally select individuals most likely to offer valuable and in-depth information, thereby enhancing the quality of the data collected.

Purposeful sampling involves deliberately choosing participants who possess specific characteristics or experiences relevant to the research question. In this case, selecting sales personnel who have directly interacted with the incentive program makes sense, as their insights are likely to be most informative. The key eligibility criteria would include having been actively involved in selling vehicles during the period when the incentive program was in place, demonstrated familiarity with the program’s details, and possibly exceeding certain sales thresholds during this period. Additional criteria could include a minimum tenure at the dealership to ensure familiarity with the sales environment and consistent participation in sales activities, which would enhance the reliability of their perspectives.

While purposeful sampling is advantageous for its depth, logistical difficulties can arise in practical application. One challenge is identifying and contacting suitable participants across multiple dealerships without access to comprehensive employee databases. Furthermore, coordinating interviews or focus groups with busy sales personnel can be difficult due to their demanding schedules, potentially limiting participation. Ensuring that selected individuals are truly representative of the broader group of sales personnel involved in the incentive program may also be a concern if the sample is limited to a small number such as 12-15 individuals.

In contrast, convenience sampling might be easier to implement since it involves selecting individuals who are readily accessible, such as sales staff available during certain shifts or at particular dealerships. However, this approach risks bias and limited depth, as participants may not be the most informative or representative of the larger population. Random sampling is less suited here because it can include individuals with limited knowledge or interest in the incentive program, reducing the likelihood of collecting meaningful qualitative data.

In summary, purposeful sampling offers the greatest potential to obtain rich, relevant data in this context, despite logistical challenges like locating qualified participants and coordinating interviews. Carefully defining inclusion criteria, understanding the dealership environment, and planning flexible interview schedules can mitigate some difficulties. By focusing on information-rich respondents, the research can generate valuable insights to inform strategies for increasing sales based on sales personnel perspectives.

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