Projective Techniques and Sort-Based Research Methods offers a brief introductory guide to the use of these exciting, innovative and often artistic approaches, to students and researchers who have no prior knowledge of these. This book brings together a wide range of examples of projective and mapping techniques that offer the ideal methodology for researchers wishing to collect less controlled and filtered material, that tap the deeper levels of the conscious and sub-conscious to reveal a more profound, richer and hidden level of response. It presents the techniques in a way that will enable the reader to appreciate their nature and to choose an appropriate method for their own research. Information is also provided that allows readers to design and implement their own projective or sort-based approaches. Each of the approaches the authors present are concisely described, and their usages explained, along with references and examples of the applied usage of the technique. The book is valuable reading for researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines from within the social sciences, humanities, business studies, marketing, etc. The book is an introductory guide, but it will be appropriate for use with undergraduate, post-graduate and research students. It will also be of great use to professionals working in the areas of consumer behaviour, marketing and communications.

This text guides the reader through a research project from the perspective of both user and practitioner. It meets the needs of several audiences by creating common ground in the applied practice of qualitative research.

Methods for Consumer Research, Volume One: New Approaches to Classic Methods brings together world leading experts in global consumer research who provide a fully comprehensive state-of-the-art coverage of advances in the classical methods of consumer science. The book touches on the latest developments in qualitative techniques, including coverage of both focus groups and social media, while also focusing on liking, a fundamental principle of consumer science, consumer segmentation, and the influence of extrinsic product characteristics, such as packaging and presentation on consumer liking. In conjunction with the second volume, which covers alternative approaches and special applications, this book is an invaluable reference for academics working in the fields of in-sensory and consumer science, psychology, marketing and nutrition. And, with examples of the methodology being applied throughout, it serves as a practical guide to research and development managers in both food and non-food companies. - Presents a fully comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in the classical methodologies of consumer research - Provides examples of successful application of the methodologies presented - Includes focus groups and social media discussions - Encompasses consumer segmentation, with a focus on psychographics and genetics

Essentials of Marketing Research: Putting Research into Practice, an exciting new practical guide by Kenneth E. Clow and Karen E. James offers a hands-on, applied approach to developing the fundamental data analysis skills necessary for making better management decisions using marketing research results. Each chapter opens by describing an actual research study related to the chapter content, with rich examples of contemporary research practices skillfully drawn from interviews with marketing research professionals and published practitioner studies. Clow and James explore the latest research techniques, including social media and other online methodologies, and they examine current statistical methods of analyzing data. With emphasis on how to interpret marketing research results and how to use those findings to make effective management decisions, the authors offer a unique learning-by-doing approach to understanding data analysis, interpreting data, and applying results to decision-making.

'Anyone using, practising or teaching qualitative research will find in this series a treasure-house of ideas, techniques and issues. This is a -must-have-' - Admap 'this is one of the best texts on the subject I've come across and I did find some of the content truly inspirational' - Mick Williamson, Creative Director, TRBI for in Brief magazine 'It will be essential reading for anyone involved with qualitative market research' - David Barr, Director General of the Market Research Society 'An ideal resource for people aiming for a qualitative market research career, for academics interested to know more about an important field of application for qualitative research methods, or for those who are already engaged in the field and who wish to update their skills and reflect on their practice and profession' - Nigel Fielding, University of Surrey Qualitative Market Research is a landmark publishing event. The seven volumes provide, for the first time, complete coverage of qualitative market research practice, written by experienced practitioners, for both a commercial and academic audience. The set fills two important market gaps: it offers commercial practitioners authoritative source texts for training and professional development; and provides students and researchers with an account of qualitative research theory and practice in use today. Each book cross-references others in the series, but can also be used as a stand-alone resource on a key topic. The seven books have been carefully structured so as to be completely accessible in terms of language, use of jargon and assumed knowledge. Experienced market researchers will find the tools to help them critically evaluate their own work. Those new to market research will be provided with a complete map of qualitative market research theory and practice (including brands and advertising theory) and the stimulation to discuss and learn more with tutors and practitioners. Qualitative Market Research will be an invaluable resource for academic and professional libraries, commercial market researchers, as well as essential reading for students in market research, marketing and business studies.

The quality and productivity of a research work very much depends on the competency of the researchers. Such competency needs to be generated and nurtured properly among the researchers from the very beginning of their research career. This comprehensive book on research methodology discusses in detail how to carry out research studies in various disciplines of behavioural sciences in an organized manner. The book is meant for the postgraduate students of Education (M.Ed.), Sociology, Psychology and Management. In addition, it will also be useful to research scholars in learning the art of doing qualitative and quantitative research studies in behavioural sciences. Key Features Systematic and logical organization of the subject matter providing step-by-step description of the research methodology for conducting research studies. Extensively illustrated with working examples, diagrams and tables. A comprehensive description of the essential data collection tools employed in quantitative and qualitative research studies, along with their proper construction, standardization and validation. Complete and workable description of the techniques and methods of data analysis used in quantitative and qualitative research studies. A complete chapter devoted to the use of computer technology for the execution of the quantitative and qualitative research studies.

This book brings together the state of the art and current debates in the field of formative research, and examines many of the innovative methods largely overlooked in the available literature. This book will help social marketing to move beyond surveys and focus groups. The book addresses the needs of social marketing academics and practitioners alike by providing a robust and critical academic discussion of cutting-edge research methods, while demonstrating at the same time how each respective method can help us arrive at a deeper understanding of the issues that social marketing interventions are seeking to remedy. Each chapter includes a scholarly discussion of key formative research methods, a list of relevant internet resources, and three key readings for those interested in extending their understanding of the method. Most chapters also feature a short case study demonstrating how the methods are used.

A core text book for the CIM Qualification.

This handbook provides an up-to-date reference point for ethnography in healthcare research. Taking a multi-disciplinary approach, the chapters offer a holistic view of ethnography within medical contexts. This edited volume is organized around major methodological themes, such as ethics, interviews, narrative analysis and mixed methods. Through the use of case studies, it illustrates how methodological considerations for ethnographic healthcare research are distinct from those in other fields. It has detailed content on the methodological facets of undertaking ethnography for prospective researchers to help them to conduct research in both an ethical and safe manner. It also highlights important issues such as the role of the researcher as the key research instrument, exploring how one’s social behaviours enable the researcher to ‘get closer’ to his/her participants and thus uncover original phenomena. Furthermore, it invites critical discussion of applied methodological strategies within the global academic community by pushing forward the use of ethnography to enhance the body of knowledge in the field. The book offers an original guide for advanced students, prospective ethnographers, and healthcare professionals aiming to utilize this methodological approach.