Running head: ROYAL BARTON RESEARCH METHODS

Business Research 5910

Royal Barton Research Methods
Individual Work Week Five
Loraine J Jackson
Everest University

ROYAL BARTON RESEARCH METHODS

Royal Barton Research Methods

Royal Barton Background
The Royal Bee was developed by Royal Barton with disabled fishermen in mind; he
developed this fishing rod and reel that would electronically retrieve fishing line with the push of
a button. He developed this fishing apparatus in order for his disabled father to continue doing
what he loved to fish. However, this clever invention was favored by other anglers as well;
professional fishermen used this rod and reel in competition, giving them a small advantage over
their competition when time is of the essence in these competitions. The reels are powered by a
six-volt battery that the fisherman fastens to his belt or around his neck (Bean, 1989). In order to
cast, the angler pushes the button to extricate the reel and casts as he/she typically would. When
the fisherman feels a nibble, he/she sets the hook as they would normally do with any other rod
and reel. Zebco, the tackle giant out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has integrated the Royal Bee into a spin
cast reel based on the Zebco 733, and at the time of this article, 4,000 Royal Bee reels have been
sold, but Barton expects the number to increase significantly with the involvement of this
organization (Bean, 1989). A fully equipped Royal Bee reel sells for $175.00 to $200.00 (Bean,
1989). Another admirable aspect is that there have been several of these rod and reels have been
sold to public libraries with the intent of disabled fishermen checking out these items as they
would a book or a video in order for them to enjoy this favorite American pastime.
Process for Collecting and Analyzing Interview Data
The process for collecting and analyzing this type of interview data in relation to the
Royal Bee fishing reel can be accomplished as any other type of qualitative research. Personal
interviews with a desired group of individuals are one of the most popular techniques used in the
collection of data in qualitative research. Personal face-to-face interviews permit the involved
participants to deliver honest and relative opinions and descriptions of the specific product; in
this case, the Royal Bee electronic reel. While this process can be laborious, the quality of data
collected is often determined by the capability and the propensity of the individual conducting

ROYAL BARTON RESEARCH METHODS

the interview. The first step in any type of research is to conduct a pilot study, with the researcher
practicing the manner that he or she will gain access to a sample, conduct interviews, and
transcribe and analyze the data (Byrne, 2001). There can be various approaches and a consistent
methodology should be utilized with the pilot study as well as performing the actual study. In
this scenario, I feel that personal interviews would be the preferred method in this research
survey. Personal interview is a form of direct communication in which an interviewer asks
respondents questions face-to-face, and is both versatile and a flexible method as a collaborative
conversation between interviewer and respondent (Zikmund, Babin, Carr, & Griffin, 2013, p.
207). This type of research will provide the opportunity for feedback and clarification from
participants, which is advantageous for the company performing the survey. In this research
process, the first step in this process would be to determine who the individuals are that are to be
surveyed and how to find participants for the research; are the participants of the survey
handicapped, or should it include all fishermen. The survey participants could be located through
a website or through stores that sell this product, and invite the purchaser the opportunity to
participate in the survey. In addition, it must be taken into consideration where the participants
will be found, as well as where they live in relation to the surveyors. In addition, the complexity
of the questions and the length of the survey must be considered. If a personal face-to-face
interview, it could take a longer time, as opposed to a phone interview. Furthermore, the shared
interaction between the interviewer and the respondent in a personal interview increases the
probability that the respondent will answer every question in the research survey. Once the
respondents are located, the interviews should be conducted in a location that is a quiet
environment where there will be no disturbances or interruptions. If at all possible, participant
and researcher should be placed across from each other at a small table with a recording device
between the two individuals in order to obtain a clear recording of both voices. This seating
arrangement also allows the researcher to observe nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, crying,
laughing, or hand gestures (Byrne, 2001). The use of a recording device will lessen the
possibility misinterpretation or misunderstanding of responses. To expedite the recording
process, the researcher should check the tapes, if they are being used, or check batteries, volume,
and equipment with a "this is a test" directly before an interview; this should also include the
researcher stating the date and place and letting the participant state his or her name and consent
to be included in the study (Byrne, 2001). In analyzing the data, information should be
transcribed from the recording device in each interview to categorize responses to the survey
questions. The data can then be combined to make the best recommendations for the company in
regard to the product.
Compare Various Interview Research Practices
There are several different research practices to consider, including phone interviews,
online surveys, call-backs, which are an attempt to re-contact individuals selected for a sample

ROYAL BARTON RESEARCH METHODS

who were not available initially (Zikmund, Babin, Carr, & Griffin, 2013, p. 211). In addition,
there are mall intercept surveys. This type of survey is not one that is very reliable as individuals
typically are in a hurry to shop and do not want to stop to listen to the interviewer, therefore, the
number of refusal is high. In addition, because the survey will be conducted with at least some of
the individuals being handicapped at some level, personal interviews would bring about the best
results.
Recommend an Approach That Would Best Meet Royal Bartons Needs
I recommend that the type of approach is the personal interview. This type of research
methodology will allow for open and honest responses to the questions in regard to this product
survey. It also allows for hands on demonstration of the product, and allows participants to be
active and provide valuable data that can be beneficial for Royal Barton. Personal interviewing
as a method to collect data is a good option for a research study such as this. Methodology may
cause the process of interviewing to differ; however, many methods are similar (Byrne, 2001).
The researcher must contact respondents prior to the interview, as well as prepare for the
interview by preparing a guide for the interview as well as all types of research interviews
require the use of excellent communication skills. Even though the entire process of questioning
respondents can be laborious and even expensive, it can be a worthwhile experience for the
researcher and for the company.
Why Recommend This Approach over Other Approaches
I would recommend this type of research because face-to-face interviews can bring about
more open and honest answers to survey questions. Participants are more likely to be honest in
answering questions when in direct contact than if they are answering questions over the phone,
or an online survey. A good interviewer must become proficient at communicating. These skills

ROYAL BARTON RESEARCH METHODS

include listening, paraphrasing, probing, and summarizing (Byrne, 2001). I also would
recommend this type of approach because while some individuals may be disinclined to take part
in a survey, the presence of an interviewer will typically improve the number of individuals
willing to participate in the interviews, especially if they are just to answer question; no reading
or writing. Many people enjoy sharing information and insights with friendly and sympathetic
interviewers. People are often more hesitant to tell a person no face-to-face than they are over
the phone or through some impersonal contact. Furthermore, I would use props in the interview;
in this case I would like the respondents to demonstrate the product and just how easy and
effective the reel is. It is my opinion that using the reel during the interview will provide
responses that the company could use to their advantage.

ROYAL BARTON RESEARCH METHODS

References
Bean, C. (1989, July 20). Barton's Royal Bee Reel Makes Casting a Snap. Retrieved August 15,
2015, from Newsok: http://newsok.com/bartons-royal-bee-reel-makes-casting-asnap/article/2273136/?page=2
Byrne, M. (2001). Interviewing as a data collection method. Association of Operating Room
Nurses.AORN Journal, 74(2), 233-5. Retrieved August 15, 2015 from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/200836835?accountid=158297
Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., & Griffin, M. (2013). Business research methods (9th
ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. Retrieved August 15, 2015, from
https://everest.vitalsource.com/#/books/9991133473633/pages/192658792