Briefly compare the different types of research approaches for gathering primary data

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Research approaches for gathering primary data include observations, surveys, and experiments.
Observational research involves gathering primary data by observing relevant people, actions, and situations. Observations can reveal information that people are unwilling or unable to provide in surveys or experiments.
Survey research, the most widely used method for primary data collection, is the approach best suited for gathering descriptive information. A company that wants to know about people's knowledge, attitudes, preferences, or buying behavior can often find out by asking them directly. The major advantage of survey research is its flexibility; it can be used to obtain many different kinds of information in many different situations. Surveys addressing almost any marketing question or decision can be conducted by phone or mail, in person, or online.
Experimental research is best suited for gathering causal information. It involves selecting matched groups of subjects, giving them different treatments, controlling unrelated factors, and checking for differences in group responses. Experimental research tries to explain cause-and-effect relationships.