Skip to content
Menu

Taking part in research

If you’ve been asked to take part in a research study with us, here’s a look at what will happen.

 

Selection

For every research project we do, we are looking for people whose input will be helpful to our clients, so we might only want people in a particular age group, who have or use certain products, or who have a specific interest.

To begin with you will be asked a number of questions designed to help us know whether you are the best person to help us. Not everyone fits the bill, but don’t worry, it’s not a reflection on you.

If you’re an existing customer of our client, your name might have been supplied to us, but please be assured that we value and protect your confidentiality [link to why section below] and follow strict codes of practice set out in the Data Protection Act and by the Market Research Society (MRS) and The General Data Protection Regulation

Once you are selected, you will be given details of the session: how long it will last, where it is, how many other people, if any, are involved, and what your ‘thank you’ for taking part will be.

 

What to expect

We work for a range of different companies. Sometimes we will ask you to do a small piece of homework prior to the session. This will be a very simple task asking you to jot down your thoughts or feelings about a subject, look up some information, or just think about a particular topic before you come along. Giving us this information beforehand helps us prepare the session and manage your time with us. We will never ask you to give us personal, or sensitive information (such as financial details)

When you arrive, the person who runs the session will go through the purpose of the research with you. You’ll be introduced to the topics and be asked for your views on what you see and hear. The whole idea is for you to tell us what you honestly think. There are no right or wrong answers – it’s only your opinion that matters.

Everyone’s answers are then pooled together for a document we give to our client. Your comments are completely anonymous, ensuring confidentiality. Sessions may be recorded or filmed: this way we can focus on you and what you say, not on taking notes.

The recordings are only used to analyse the session and, in accordance with the MRS Code of Conduct, are only for the research project that you have agreed to take part in. If the client wants to use the recordings for any other purpose, we will ask your consent before the session, so that you know about this well in advance.

You will not be sold to, or be asked to buy anything before, during or after the session. We promise.

 

Confidentiality

We do not pass on any of your personal details or opinions to any third party. Ever. We comply with The Data Protection Act, which lies at the heart of your right to confidentiality when taking part in research. You can find the implications of the Act in relation to market research here.

The Market Research Society is the professional body overseeing market research companies. You can find more information about their Code of Conduct and their standards on confidentiality on their website.

If there is anything you are still not sure about, or if you have a specific question, please get in touch with us.