We will accomplish the task of market research methodology by combining qualitative and quantitative methods in collecting and compiling primary and secondary information sources. We will begin our data collection process by gathering secondary data from electronic sources and utilizing search engines, provided on the Internet. We have accessed public libraries for secondary information utilizing industry specific publications, such as medical journals. This has helped educate the researchers on the target market, marketing mix, and our prospective competition. Other valuable data sources in the library include previously researched projects, and government publications that may benefit our plan.
Primary data sources will involve conducting surveys in the facilities rendering cancer treatment, such as doctor's offices and hospitals. Our primary market research data is comprised of a questionnaire designed to identify the preferences of the cancer patients concerning the attitudes toward care and compassion in the therapeutic cancer arena. A viable survey will include a sample of the proper representation of the population market mix that has consulted an oncologist or received cancer treatment and has experienced a doctor's bedside manner in this regard. Statistical methods of evaluation and measurement will determine the quality, reliability and validity of the market research data. This will allow the researchers to determine how well the medical professional is attending to the requirements and needs of their cancer patients.
Our analysis included observation, another form of primary data by investigating the current personal attitudes regarding the interaction between the medical profession and cancer patients to determine the need for more training in the area of care and compassion. We have discovered the existing attitudes of oncologists are distressing, and the bedside manner the medical profession currently utilizes in its approach to convey pertinent information is disturbing to cancer patients.