Taking part in paid market research is an excellent way to earn extra money from home, but it’s also a very valuable and interesting experience in itself. There are many different ways to take part and it’s easy to find one that suits you and your lifestyle. We’ve put together some useful information to help you choose which type of paid market research is best for you.
Focus groups
Most people have heard of focus groups, but may not be entirely sure what they involve. A small group of people – usually between 6 and 10 – are gathered together with a facilitator to take part in a discussion related to a product, service, belief, concept or prospective policy. Focus groups allow for first hand, spontaneous reactions from the participants and allow for honest opinions.
Why is this a good method for me?
If you enjoy meeting new people and participating in in-depth discussions, a focus group is perfect for you. Talking with your peers about things you find interesting is stimulating and fun, plus it’s a great way to break up your usual routine and do something different. Focus groups usually meet for around two hours (though it could be longer or shorter), and you might need to travel to them, so you may need to consider issues such as childcare or work commitments before taking part in a specific study.
Market research online communities
Online research communities are a new and developing area in market research. They consist of a closed network of participants who take part in conversations and exercises similar to that of traditional focus groups, but done remotely, using a social networking platform or private website. Exercises that you might be asked to take part in could include video diaries, blogging, discussions and uploading pictures.
Why is this a good method for me?
Online communities are great for people who have a lot of commitments and can’t easily break out of their routine, for example if you have children or work long hours. They do tend to last longer than other types of research – anywhere from one week to one year – which is a big commitment, but you are in control of when you log in and respond.
Ethnography
Ethnographic market research allows for consumers to be studied in real life environments, such as at home or when shopping, with researchers physically present. There is often a difference between what people report doing, and what they actually do, and ethnographic research helps to determine this difference. It is very valuable for market researchers to be able to talk directly to subjects about their experiences in the moment, which often gathers information that may have been forgotten if they spoke at a later date.
Why is this a good method for me?
Ethnography is a very involved method of research, so you need to be prepared to make a real commitment to it. A researcher may visit you on a regular basis, perhaps at home or in your work place, and spend a significant amount of time with you. As a participant you can make a real and valuable difference to a brand or service that is important to you.
Online focus groups
Online focus groups are the same as traditional ones, but they take place over the internet using a secure platform that you will be asked to log in to. Interviews take place via a webcam, allowing for a face-to-face exchange, whilst also allowing for researchers to share visual information such as videos and photographs. Using technology in this way also allows for a variety of responses from participants, including chat functions, live polling, photo or video uploads and live annotation of graphics.
Why is this a good method for me?
The big advantage of online focus groups is that you don’t have to travel and can participate from anywhere in the country. Prior to the study the market research company will call you to check that your computer works properly, and from that point on you’ll know when you need to be online to speak to the researcher. This is a great method for people who don’t have the flexibility to travel.
Online surveys
Online surveys are the easiest way to take part in paid market research. They are self-administered, which means you don’t have to interact with a researcher, and can be done whenever you choose. Online surveys differ from other methods in that your identity is usually concealed and your personal data kept private.
Why is this a good method for me?
Online surveys are a quick and easy way to take part in research. You can choose when you want to take part and they usually last between 5 and 20 minutes. They are a completely remote method of research, so perfect for people who aren’t confident about being interviewed or speaking in groups, as well as people who can’t commit to a longer timeframe, but would still like the opportunity to voice their opinions on the brands they use.
Here at Angelfish we’re always looking for people who are interested in giving their thoughts on products and services.
