M1 - Advantages and disadvantages of product research methods

The advantages of questionnaires

1. Its a sensible way to collect information

2. Large amounts of information can be collected from a large number of people in a short period of time for a cheap price

3. Can be carried out by the researcher or by any number of people without any consequences on quality

4. The results of the questionnaires can be quickly and easily collected together

5. Can be referred to later easily 

The disadvantages of questionnaires

1. It Is argued to be insufficient when collecting some forms of information

2. The information that people give is limited

3. People may not take the questionnaire seriously 

4. People could lie

5. Can be biased

6. People could miss-understand questions


The advantages of Focus groups

1. It can get a whole groups opinion who have the opportunity to discuss their ideas and question others 

2. It can save time and money from doing 1 on 1 Interviews

3. We can get clarification on our ideas

4. Provides useful material such as quotes

5. People tend not to lie in person

The disadvantages of Focus groups

1. Some people may not be comfortable with sharing their opinion with strangers 

2. Its easy for the discussion to go off topic

3. It may not be easy to organize as some people may not be willing to take part

4. People may feel pressured to agree with the most popular opinions

After reviewing my options I have decided to create a questionnaire as I believe it best suites my product research. I will create my questionnaire on survey monkey and share the link to my local target audience via social media, they can also stumble upon the survey online whilst looking through other surveys.