The challenge for researchers in 2011 and beyond, is not that of adapting to the economic climate. That is the same for all businesses: adapt or fail. The specific challenge for research is to justify the need for time and thought spent on analysis, in a digital age when everything is instant and ephemeral. The age of Facebook presents research with great opportunities. Virtual Focus groups can do the seemingly impossible, which is to save both time AND money. In addition Bulletin board focus groups enable the moderator to eliminate any chance of bias or “group-think” by gaining private responses from respondents. So digital research can improve on traditional methods. But the value of research comes from the analysis stage, when the researcher chews over the findings and thinks about what they mean to the client’s business. Research may use contemporary “instant hit” methods, such as Facebook or chatrooms, but it is only the time spent analysing this, which allows researchers to add value.

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"Thanks Andy, great teamwork, our client was delighted with the insight" Amy Martin, Retail Eyes October 2011

"I found Andy very professional, clear and concise in his thinking and creative in providing solutions to our requirements. A pleasure to work with." Andy Kelly, Marketing Manager, DFDS Seaways