Final answer:
To find out customer preferences between booths and tables and chairs in a coffee shop, a researcher would likely use a survey for broader insights, and/or participant observation for a more detailed understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether the customers of Jamal's coffee shop prefer booths or tables and chairs, a researcher is likely to use a survey as a study method. Surveys enable researchers to collect data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about their behaviors and opinions, often in the form of a questionnaire or an interview. This method is highly suited to gaining insights into customer preferences and can ensure a level of anonymity, encouraging honest feedback.
If a more in-depth understanding of customer behavior is needed, participant observation would be another research method that could be used. This involves the researcher immersing themselves in Jamal's coffee shop environment to observe and interact with customers directly. The key aspect of participant observation is that it takes place in the subject's natural environment, providing firsthand knowledge that can be more nuanced than survey data alone.
Ultimately, the choice of research method will depend on Jamal's specific needs, the resources available, and the depth of insight desired. It is not uncommon for social studies and business research to combine methods, using surveys for broad quantitative data and participant observation for qualitative insights.