The Nielsen Company surveyed consumers in 47 markets from Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and the Middle East to determine which factors are most important in determining where they buy groceries. Using a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high), the highest rated factor was good value for money, with an average point score of 4.32. The second highest rated factor was better selection of high-quality brands and products, with an average point score of 3.78, and the lowest rated factor was uses recyclable bags and packaging, with an average point score of 2.71 (Nielsen website, February 24, 2008). Suppose that you have been hired by a grocery store chain to conduct a similar study to determine what factors customers at the chain’s stores in Charlotte North Carolina, think are most important in determining where they buy groceries.
a. What is the population for the survey that you will be conducting?
b. How would you collect the data for this study?