Introduction
In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a growing concern over false
advertising allegations, with several prominent car manufacturers facing scrutiny over
their marketing claims. CarSA, a leading car-manufacturing company, has been
embroiled in a controversy surrounding its Traveller vehicle’s fuel consumption claims.
The company’s advertisement of the car consuming only one litre of diesel per kilometre
has been disputed by customers, who report consumption rates of 5-6 litres per
kilometre. This discrepancy has led to a decline in customer trust, sales, and corporate
reputation, resulting in a crisis for CarSA. This research aims to assess the extent of
reputational damage, evaluate consumer responses, and propose recovery strategies
for CarSA.
Question 1
1.1. Data Collection
Quantitative research employs structured methods like surveys and questionnaires to
collect numerical data, whereas qualitative research uses unstructured or semi-
structured methods like interviews and observations to gather non-numerical data.
1.2. Data Analysis
, Quantitative research involves statistical analysis of numerical data to identify patterns
and trends, whereas qualitative research involves thematic analysis or content analysis
of non-numerical data to identify patterns, themes, and meanings.
Question 2
2.1 Positivist Social Science
Positivists believe that social behaviour can be studied using scientific methods, similar
to natural sciences. They focus on finding patterns, causes, and effects, and often use
numbers and statistics to understand social phenomena. This approach assumes that
social reality can be measured and predicted, and researchers aim to remain neutral in
their investigation.
2.2 Interpretivist Social Science
Interpretivists, on the other hand, focus on understanding the meaning and context of
social behaviour. They believe that people’s experiences, perceptions, and interactions
shape social reality, and researchers should try to grasp these nuances. This approach
emphasises the importance of context, perspective, and interpretation, often using in-
depth, qualitative methods to gain a richer understanding of social phenomena.
Question 3
In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a growing concern over false
advertising allegations, with several prominent car manufacturers facing scrutiny over
their marketing claims. CarSA, a leading car-manufacturing company, has been
embroiled in a controversy surrounding its Traveller vehicle’s fuel consumption claims.
The company’s advertisement of the car consuming only one litre of diesel per kilometre
has been disputed by customers, who report consumption rates of 5-6 litres per
kilometre. This discrepancy has led to a decline in customer trust, sales, and corporate
reputation, resulting in a crisis for CarSA. This research aims to assess the extent of
reputational damage, evaluate consumer responses, and propose recovery strategies
for CarSA.
Question 1
1.1. Data Collection
Quantitative research employs structured methods like surveys and questionnaires to
collect numerical data, whereas qualitative research uses unstructured or semi-
structured methods like interviews and observations to gather non-numerical data.
1.2. Data Analysis
, Quantitative research involves statistical analysis of numerical data to identify patterns
and trends, whereas qualitative research involves thematic analysis or content analysis
of non-numerical data to identify patterns, themes, and meanings.
Question 2
2.1 Positivist Social Science
Positivists believe that social behaviour can be studied using scientific methods, similar
to natural sciences. They focus on finding patterns, causes, and effects, and often use
numbers and statistics to understand social phenomena. This approach assumes that
social reality can be measured and predicted, and researchers aim to remain neutral in
their investigation.
2.2 Interpretivist Social Science
Interpretivists, on the other hand, focus on understanding the meaning and context of
social behaviour. They believe that people’s experiences, perceptions, and interactions
shape social reality, and researchers should try to grasp these nuances. This approach
emphasises the importance of context, perspective, and interpretation, often using in-
depth, qualitative methods to gain a richer understanding of social phenomena.
Question 3
