One of the most important concerns we have as market researchers is how to minimize the influence researchers have on participants. We want to uncover participants’ real thoughts, feelings and motivations, but what if the researcher’s presence, or even the mere act of asking the question, has an impact on participants’ responses? Click here to read the […]

One of the biggest challenges in market research is making sure people are telling us the truth. Beyond intentional lying, people frequently don’t realize they’re not telling the truth. For example, people think they always make decisions based on logic only (and they don’t). And they over-estimate how “virtuous” they will be, whether it comes to […]

I just got back from the QRCA Worldwide Qualitative Research Conference in Lisbon – there was a lot of great content packed into 2.5 days, as well as a dinner at the amazing Palacio Conde d’Obidos, shown here. It occurred to me that we were all there for the same reason: to learn ways to […]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been in the news lately because a recent advance in the technology now makes AI both significantly more advanced and more accessible to businesses. While in the past, companies needed big budgets and teams of developers to utilize AI, current tools have opened the technology to medium and even small companies. […]

As a moderator, the dream scenario for any focus group or group discussion is when the participants pick up and begin having the conversation without you needing to push, prod or probe. It’s like gold. And gold is what I felt like we struck when we asked 3 of the brightest client-side insights leaders we […]

Today’s marketer can’t just target a segment based on superficial data. In this Greenbook article, Roben Allong explains why micro culturalism is the secret weapon you need to understand changing consumer behaviors and achieve business objectives.   Read the article: https://www.greenbook.org/mr/market-research-methodology/understanding-cultural-insights-the-new-next-consumer-battleground/

While it may seem counter-intuitive, sometimes conducting research in different countries in an identical manner is NOT the most effective approach! This article draws on the experience of our ThinkGlobal Qualitative associates and provides examples of smart ways in which they modified market research for their countries in order to obtain more accurate results. Read […]

The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on marginalized populations in the United States. This article by Roben Allong, Patricia Lopez and Iris Yim, the cover story of the July 2020 issue of Quirk’s magazine, explores possible contextual and cultural factors behind the pandemic’s impacts specifically on Hispanic, African American and […]

Covid-19 has changed the rules of human engagement. Behaviors such as hugging, kissing, laughing out loud, that we use to show connection and engagement, are no longer acceptable without wearing a face covering or social distancing.  As the frequency of online qual research accelerates, this crisis presents a unique opportunity to adapt and create new […]