Final answer:
An amusement park assessing public reactions to new rides should use both qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as a mixed-method survey. This approach allows for the collection of rich qualitative feedback and objective quantitative data on pricing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an amusement park is looking to measure the reactions of the public to two new rides and determine the amount they are willing to pay, the most appropriate research approach would involve both qualitative and quantitative methods. A recommended specific technique is a survey or questionnaire that includes both open-ended questions to gather qualitative subjective feedback on the rides, as well as closed questions to collect quantitative data such as the maximum price customers are willing to pay.
For example, a mixed-method survey might ask participants to describe their experience on the rides, which would provide qualitative data rich in detail and insight. The same survey might also ask how much participants would pay for access to these rides, thus yielding quantitative discrete data that can be easily analyzed statistically. This combination of data forms ensures a comprehensive understanding of public sentiment and economic considerations for pricing.
Quantitative research provides objective, countable data while qualitative research offers in-depth insight into participants' thoughts and feelings. A researcher might utilize statistical analysis for the quantitative part of the survey and content analysis for the qualitative responses to identify patterns and themes.