Relational Hypothesis:

The further west a United States Consumer lives leads to an increase of the probability of purchasing long sleeve shirts.

The variables in the study defined:
• Independent variable –
Geographic proximity to Western United States
• Dependent variable
Long sleeve shirt sales

Research Design: Observational Research Design
Consumer behavior research can be a powerful tool for businesses that are attempting to understand their customers better. A company that knows the type of customer it has and the way or ways that customer shops will be able to create effective marketing strategies and will ensure long-term business from satisfied customers.

Observation is considered to be one of the greatest tools for consumer behavior researchers, because it allows researchers to watch a consumer in action, rather than asking the consumer to re-create a shopping scenario from the past.

Select a sample. Choose and defend the type of sampling you will be using. Be sure to note whether or not the sample will be probabilistic. Also, be sure to note how, why and where the sample will be collected.

Target population:
ABC Company Consumers
Population Parameter of Interest:
Long sleeve shirt purchasing behavior
Sampling Frame:
As ABC collects contact data at point of sale for promotions tracking, the sampling frame for the population will be readily available.
Sampling Method:
Probabilistic
How:
Survey: Personally Interview, ABC point of sale employees
Why:
Rapid data collection is necessary as any changes to the ABC marketing and production plans deemed needed as a result of this research will have to be made quickly due to the approaching sales season. Method will also eliminate “secondary accounts” of purchase.
Where:
United States and Canada

The type of data that will be collected (nominal, ordinal, interval or ratio):
The interview will collect nominal data, specifically whether a consumer purchased a long sleeve shirt or otherwise. The interview will also include a free response opportunity to supply additional information as to why a long sleeve shirt may have been chosen.

Explain why the measurement used is valid, reliable