Online Survey
A survey was created using "Survey Monkey" software to create a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative research to see what influence people to purchase baking products (ingredients and equipment). Below are the questions and responses of the sample population, which was dispersed through Facebook meaning that the population were the author's friends and relatives. The results are further discussed in the conclusions page.
After 27 response to the survey, below are the nominal data that allow us to examine the sample population of the responses. In this way, because of the small population the results cannot be generalised to a larger population. However, it is interesting data for further research into the topic. From these questions we can see that the average age was 18 to 24, gender was female, 38% of people watch baking shows whenever they can, and 44% people consider themselves an amateur baker, where only 11% consider themselves not a baker at all.
This question resulted in a balanced answer between influences from baking shows and cook books, relatives and friends, social media, needing to eat, and with school and culture receiving the least responses respectively.
Most responses discussed convenience in price and location, followed by quality of ingredients (less sugar, organic, ethical, ingredients not used before), with least responses on advice from online sources.
Interestingly, this response was answered mostly in favour of baking influence from a variety of different cookbooks and family members (mostly from their mother). This was followed closely by TV shows (mostly the Great British Bake Off) and baking posts on various social media sites (including Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
The survey questions were sufficient and respondents mostly answered that they had no further comments.