Real-Life Math
Susan Reale is a qualitative and usability research consultant with
her own company REALeResearch. As a qualitative researcher, she looks at data
from a relatively small group of respondents. She does not analyze the results
with statistical techniques. That is the job of quantitative researchers.
They statistically analyze data from large groups.
Even though she
is not required to use difficult statistical techniques, she still finds that
math creeps into her work. "You have to know basic math, at least," she says.
You are working with Reale in her consulting business. You must put
together a proposal to bid on a job a client is offering. The job requires
you to travel to four different cities.
You will interview 10 people
in each city. You will need to account for return travel for each city, a
hotel room for three nights in each city, meal expenses for three days, the
rental of a conference room for interviewing, and wages for the people you
will interview. In addition to your expenses, you charge $40 an hour for your
expertise. You estimate it will take you 140 hours to complete this project.
Here are your expenses:
Travel: $1,455
Hotel:
$1,545
Meals: $800
Conference Room: $1,605
Payment
for Interview Subjects: $1,800
Your wages: $40 x 140 hours
All
things considered, how much will each interview cost?