Several times, when the subject is market research, the importance of a good and well done research management is not only cited, but reinforced. This is not wrong, focussed project managers make all the difference while carrying out any research job, big or small. But maybe, concentrating on the importance of the ones who lead the project takes away the attention from the position of respondents for quality market research.
Good project managers have a vibrant role in a project’s success, but respondents are the ones who truly make it happen. It’s from them that all the statistics needed comes from, so without them there is no research. This fact alone is enough to prove that the connection with respondents should be one of the main concerns in any market research. Well knowledgeable and pleased respondents lead to a successful and exact market research.
But how to promise this respondent-related quality? We can list 3 ways on how we do this here at Apelo Consulting.
Make sure they all appropriate for the required profile
Some projects need a more general profile, but depending on the subject and goals of the research this profile can be a lot more precise. Either way, make sure to recruit respondents who entirely fit the profile necessities. Not only for the apparent reason that the client knows why are they inviting that profile, but also to guarantee accuracy. Hiring a paediatrician for a job that needs haematologists, for instance, will compromise the research because a paediatrician will not be able to provide the information only a haematologist can.
Be available
It is very common for respondents to have queries during the process, and you need to do your best to reply them all. The more questions and uncertainties the respondent has, the more muddled they become, and their muddledness can compromise their contribution on the research. So, it is crucial that you are available to them through the whole process, when needed.
Communication is key
Connect clearly and professionally what is projected from the beginning. Respondents are providing their valuable time and information to your research, they deserve to know all they need to do, when, and how. They also deserve to know about any unpredicted modifications that might require alterations about them and their role in the research process. This will make an environment of trust and transparency, helping all involved.
These are some of the methods we ensure our research quality, giving the right importance and role to our respondents, their ideas and experiences. By doing so, correct statistics will be collected and the projects research will be a success for everyone.