Page 7 - Jennifer Mooney
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RESEARCH Chapter 2: Research
Research Methodology
Research Data Collection & Data Analysis Data Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed on survey data to identify trends concerning
Literature Review pet adoption rates, preferences regarding breeds, and the demographics of
Secondary Data (pet adoption): A comprehensive literature review was pet owners. The data was categorised to reflect key themes of motivations for
conducted focusing on statistics regarding pet adoption, users and demographics adopting (e.g., companionship, saving a life) and barriers (e.g., family dynamics,
of pet owners in Ireland, adoption trends, motivations and barriers for adoption, behavioural concerns), as well as challenges faced by individuals and animal
and the current state of animal welfare in Ireland. shelters. The insights from this data provided a deeper insight into the narratives
behind the statistics, helping to understand the beliefs and attitudes that inform
Secondary Data (pet training): Furthermore, extra literature review was adoption choices. Pie charts, graphs, and other visual graphics were created
conducted regarding pet training applications. This included insights into a pet to visually represent findings, highlighting key statistics about the preferences,
training market overview, market dynamics, stakeholders, competitors and key motivations, barriers, and concerns of pet adopters.
trends, SWOT analysis, and academic research on dog behaviour and training
methodologies, for understanding user needs and challenges.
Methods of Analysis
Statistical Analysis: The quantitative data from market reports were collected
Qualitative Data (combination surveys) and ana-lysed to identify demographic information about pet owners' backgrounds
Surveys: Online surveys, using Google Forms, were distributed to potential pet (age, gender, location, income), and insights into market size, growth rates,
adopters and animal welfare organisations. The surveys aimed to gather statistics key trends, and challenges regarding pet adoption. Through further academic
related to experiences with adoption, motivations for adopting, barriers faced, and research on dog behaviour, training methodologies, and the overall pet industry,
the demographics of adopters. One survey resulting in 41 respondents who have also provided context for understanding user needs and challenges.
experienced pet adoption, the other resulting in one respondent from an animal
rescue organisation. Thematic Analysis: Qualitative data from surveys were analysed using thematic
meth-ods, identifying common themes around motivations for adoption, perceived
barriers and misconceptions, personal experiences with shelters, and attitudes
Mixed-Method Surveys: These surveys used a mixed-method approach by
toward the pet adoption landscape in Ireland.
including both quantitative and qualitative questions to gain a more comprehensive
understanding of pet adoption processes. Many questions included rating scale
Competitor Analysis: A comparative approach to examining the most popular
questions (quantitative), while some consisted of open-ended questions for
existing dog training apps, helping to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential
personal elaboration (qualitative).
gaps in the pet training app market.
SWOT Analysis: The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the
current pet adoption landscape and welfare organisations in Ireland were evaluated
based on the findings. Another SWOT analysis was conducted regarding the
digital pet training market to help the researcher understand and ideate further
possible design solutions.
