29 Sep

Posted at 20:25h in Business, Insights
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Quantifying the potential success of a name, product, creative material, and packaging has always been challenging. A new method called Predictive Markets has shown promising results as a way to achieve accurate insights into the future of a concept, at a fraction of the time it takes to examine through other research methods. When New Yorker financial columnist James Surowiecki wrote the book The Wisdom of the Crowds, he shattered the conventional wisdom that a small group of experts is smarter than the masses. Using a variety of secondary sources, he argued that the aggregate wisdom of a crowd is more accurate than polling a trusted expert few. Insightrix has utilized predictive markets to help clients predict the success of their concepts. The predictive market simulates a stock market as it allows respondents to buy and sell shares in different concepts. The study typically includes the following steps: Insightrix designs an online predictive market tool where respondents can log in and participate in the market. Participants are provided with virtual cash and are able to invest as much or as little as they want into the concepts they feel would be most liked by other participants. Based on these investments, stock prices for the concepts dynamically adjust upward or downward. Price adjustments encourage participants to invest more, hold onto strong investments,      reinvest based on changing prices, or sell the investment in less popular concepts. At the conclusion of the market, the total value of participants’ portfolios determines a market winner. Insightrix can provide a detailed report clearly outlining which concept would perform the best in the market. Each concept’s share price reveals how well-liked the concept is compared with the others. The demonstrated advantages of the predictive market include providing a clearly quantified differential between the different concepts as opposed to traditional ranking questions on surveys. In many cases, Insightrix uses a predictive market to identify quickly those concepts with the most promise and then other methods (such as focus groups or in-depth interviews) to get a “deep dive” into what makes them great and how to improve them....
 

28 Sep

Posted at 00:35h in Corporate, News
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I was asked to write the first post, and of course had no idea where to begin. Should I talk about trends in market research? New initiatives in our company? New research techniques we are presently using or investigating? In the end, I decided to talk about what makes our company special. Oh sure, you can read our corporate information throughout our website and get a sense of why we are unique, but in this post I will give you the real goods: behind the scenes at Insightrix Research. What makes our company special is easy: it’s the people. Sure we have staff who have come to work dressed like Lady Gaga, bring trays of fruit pizza, religiously feed the company fish, bring fruit for our interviewers, and perhaps share a samosa or two, but it is much more than this. It is about respect for each other and commitment to the company and our clients. I am sure all companies say this, but I know we have this in both our Canadian and Australian office. On a recent trip to our Australian office, I was impressed with the staff, their sense of ownership, and the level of care they have for clients and our company. They take great pride in carrying out their work and feel responsible and accountable for the outcomes. They make sure client expectations are exceeded and they share an ownership in the company that is truly remarkable. The same can be said for our Canadian office. Our staff members routinely go above and beyond to ensure client expectations are met and assist fellow staff members in carrying out their work. This is what makes our company special. Over the course of the next few months, we will be highlighting some of these great employees so you can get to know them better. In addition to giving you some background about the people here at Insightrix, I would also like to introduce you to our newest member of the team: Oscar. Oscar travels with our staff to different locations including personal and business trips. At Insightrix, we are international not only in our company locations but also in terms of our staff. Oscar likes to hide in suitcases and catch a ride to various locations. I encourage you to read about life at Insightrix to learn more about what we are doing as well as follow Oscar’s travels around the world! ~Corrin  ...
 

27 Sep

Posted at 00:01h in Corporate, News
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Some of you may recall participating in a survey a couple of weeks back regarding the public-private-partnership sewage treatment plant in Regina. This was an independent study Insightrix conducted on its own: no client paid for this research. The results from the study showed that 55% of you were in favour of the Public-Private-Partnership (P3) approach and 45% of you were in favour of the traditional Design, Bid and Build (DBB) approach. This lines up very closely with the final results from the referendum: 57% voted for the P3 and 43% for the DBB. Insightrix Research would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in this specific survey and to also thank everyone for participating in our studies. This is an example of how your participation enables us to provide accurate, reliable information for our clients. You can read more about the results of our survey on voter intention regarding the wastewater treatment plant in Regina. Visit our SaskWatch Panel here....
 

26 Sep

Posted at 20:21h in Business, Insights
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In a focus group, a moderator interviews several people at the same time. A typical focus group comprises six to 12 people (participants), but smaller groups can also be held. The reason that focus groups are held is to create and observe group dynamics. Group discussions stimulate dynamic conversations, which lead to discovery, exploration, direction, and insights regarding specific topics. Focus group sessions typically last between one and two hours: the length of a group will depend on the specific goals and the number of topics. Usually, a focus group research project consists of two to ten groups, although there can be more. The number of focus groups varies and depends on research goals number of topics segments schedule budget It is recommended that at least two groups be conducted. There are three ways to conduct a focus group: face-to-face, online, or by telephone. In each of these, moderators direct a free-flowing discussion about topics of interest such as products, services, brands, and advertisements. Focus groups usually occur in specially designed facilities where the rooms have one-way mirrors allowing managers and executives to listen to and observe the participants. The rooms also typically include audio and video recording equipment. A moderator asks questions, follows up with more questions, and keeps the conversation on track. A good focus group moderator makes focus group moderating look simple, yet it requires moderating skill and practice to do well....
 

18 Sep

Posted at 23:38h in Corporate, Research
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A new independent online poll conducted by Insightrix Research suggests that residents are divided on whether or not the new Regina Sewage Treatment plant should follow a traditional Design, Bid and Build (DBB) approach or a Public-Private-Partnership (P3) approach. Awareness of and Following the Debate Awareness of the debate regarding the development of a new sewage treatment plant is widespread. Nearly all Regina residents surveyed (96%) report they are aware of the debate taking place regarding whether or not the City of Regina should use a DBB or P3 approach to building the new sewage treatment plant. Further, 94% are aware that a referendum is being held on September 25th where Regina residents can vote on the issue. Additionally, eight in ten (81%) residents aware of the issue say they are actively following the discussion (22% very closely, 59% somewhat closely) while the remainder (19%) are either not following the issue at all (8%) or are only listening to what their friends or family tell them as the debate unfolds (11%). Support for P3 vs. DBB Respondents were presented with the following brief description of the two approaches: The City of Regina Council unanimously approved using a public-private-partnership (P3) for the sewage treatment plant because it believes this to be the best option for the city. They report that a P3 costs less than other options, is less risky and is much more likely to be built on time and on budget. However, there are some who do not support the idea of a P3 approach because they feel it does not provide accountability to citizens, it will cost more than the traditional Design, Bid and Build (DBB) approach, privatization is risky, and Regina’s entire water system should be kept public. After hearing this description, respondents were asked to state which approach they personally support. Four in ten (40%) Regina residents say they support a P3 approach while three in ten (30%) support a traditional DBB approach. More than one quarter (27%) are unsure and another 3% are indifferent on the issue. A P3 approach is more strongly supported by males (46% vs. 35% among females) and support for this approach tends to rise with household income. Among those who plan to vote in the upcoming referendum (66% of respondents), 45% are in favour of a P3 approach while 37% prefer a DBB method. Nearly two in ten of those who plan to vote (18%) are unsure as to which approach they support. Research Details A total of 400 randomly selected SaskWatch Research™ panel members who live in Regina participated in the online research study from September 11th to 15th, 2013. Quotas were set by age, gender and region to match the general population of the city. As the research is conducted online, it is considered to be a non-probability proportion sample and therefore, margins of error are not applicable. About SaskWatch Research™ Insightrix started developing the SaskWatch Research™ online market research panel in October 2007, using high-quality techniques including telephone recruitment and referrals from existing panel members. Presently, there are over 14,000 active panel members representing all regions of the province, and distributions of the general population. The panel membership closely matches the 2011 Census based on age, gender, household composition, household income and education. For more information, please visit: http://saskwatch.ca. About Insightrix Founded in 2001, Insightrix Research Inc. is a full-service market research firm that helps clients develop, administer and manage data collection and information strategies. From its office in Saskatoon, Insightrix offers a comprehensive range of research services. For further information contact Lang McGilp, Senior Research Executive Insightrix Research Inc. Tel: 306.657.5640 Ext. 229 Cell: 306.290.9599 Fax: 306.384.5655 Email: lang.mcgilp@insightrix.com Web: www.insightrix.com...
 

18 Sep

Posted at 20:09h in Business, Insights
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Market research helps decision makers shift from intuitive information gathering to systematic and objective investigating. Some decisions, where there is a low cost for error, can be made quickly and based on instinct or other informal methods (such as feedback from salespeople or industry experts). Other decisions, where the cost of error is greater, require market research. Typical market research studies that are frequently conducted include the following: market segmentation studies advertising research and tracking customer satisfaction or experience surveys attitude and usage studies brand equity studies concept testing employee satisfaction research competitive intelligence market share studies mystery shopping price elasticity testing citizen consultation white When performed correctly, market research will reduce the chances that an organization will fail by providing the evidence needed to make the proper decision....
 

16 Sep

Posted at 19:08h in Business, Insights
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For some people, the term “research” conjures up images of scientists in laboratories studying furry little animals and conducting chemistry experiments. The term “marketing research” is often associated with telephone surveys or people standing at the exits of the local mall to “just ask you a few questions.” These latter examples of marketing research are only a small fraction of what market research comprises. In essence, marketing research yields relevant, accurate, and timely information about customers, members, and/or stakeholders and plays a critical role in managerial decision making. By knowing what customers, members, and/or stakeholders think, do, and want, organizations can put their marketing research results to creative use and make better decisions. Market research involves asking questions, listening to, and observing customers, members, and/or stakeholders. The methods used in market research include quantitative (e.g., surveys) and qualitative research (e.g., focus groups, in-depth interviews). There is, however, a very wide range of techniques that are used, including mystery shopping, online communities, ethnography, facial expression analysis, social media monitoring and analysis, and literature reviews, among others. The methods used in market research are based on a variety of disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, business/marketing, and statistics. The method that is chosen will deliver the best research design given the time and budget limitations....
 

19 Aug

Posted at 17:19h in Corporate, News
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Insightrix Research Inc.’s ’Rider Tracker, an ongoing online poll of fans regarding the Roughriders’ overall play and their Grey Cup potential, has been updated. Fans will now be asked new questions each week based on the most recent game. The questions for the latest Tracker include the Roughrider player of the week, play of the game, Kory Sheets’ rushing record potential, what went wrong in the ’Riders first loss of the season, and questions regarding Darian Durant’s return to action following his injury. Below on the left is a graph showing fans’ choices for the Roughrider player of the week following last Friday’s loss against the Calgary Stampeders. The graph on the right highlights overall fan opinion on whether or not Durant’s return to action against Calgary was premature. The ’Rider Tracker has been running since the first pre-season game of 2011 and offers an inside look at how fans are feeling about the Green and White. Run through SaskWatch Research™, the online panel developed and maintained by Insightrix and populated with over 14,800 Saskatchewan residents, the ’Rider Tracker is put into play following each Roughrider game. The survey is sent to 200 SaskWatch Research™ members and the results are posted on www.letsgoriders.com before the next game. In addition to new weekly questions, the main ratings on the Tracker include the Team Performance Index and the Grey Cup Confidence Index, which measure the overall performance of the team and fans’ confidence that the ’Riders will win the Grey Cup. The specific areas tested for their impact on the team include the running game, coaching, special teams, the offensive line, the defensive line, and the quarterback. The ’Rider Tracker also lets fans take a shot at predicting the final score for the upcoming game. Follow the ’Rider Tracker at www.letsgoriders.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/saskwatch.research), and on Twitter at @SaskWatchQ. Look for the next results following the August 17th home game versus the Montreal: the results will be posted on Wednesday, August 21st, 2013!...
 

18 Jul

Posted at 19:41h in News Release, OnTopic, Saskatchewan
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A new independent online poll conducted by Insightrix Research suggests more than six in ten Saskatchewan residents claim to see at least one person operating a vehicle and talking or texting on a cell phone every day. Reported incidence of seeing the activity More than one third of Saskatchewan residents polled report that they see other drivers using a cell phones or smartphones several times per day (36%). Another 27% say they observe such behaviour at least once or twice per day (totaling 63%). One third (35%) see others using their phones while driving once or twice a week or less often. Only 2% say they never see such behaviour taking place on the road. Perceived change in frequency over time While the reported incidence of using a cell phone or smartphone when driving is high, 40% believe such behaviours are happening less often than three years ago. However, 58% feel there has been no change (27%) in driver behaviour with cell phones or that such behaviour is happening more often than it did when the cell phone legislation came into effect in 2010 (31%). A small proportion (2%) is unsure. Claimed participation in talking while driving – not in hands-free mode While seeing others operate a vehicle and use their wireless device at the same time is reportedly commonplace, admitting to such behaviour is far less prevalent. Among respondents who have a cell phone or a smartphone, one half (51%) say they never talk on their device in an illegal manner (i.e. not in hands-free mode). One quarter (26%) say they have done so “only a handful of times” in their lives, and 21% admit to doing so on a more regular basis. The remaining 2% preferred not to provide a response. This contrasts sharply with a similar online poll conducted by Insightrix in September of 2009 before the cell phone legislation came into effect. At that time, more than one half (55%) of Saskatchewan residents reported that they talked on their cell phone without using hands-free mode at least once or twice per month. Claimed participation in texting while driving – not in hands-free mode With respect to texting without using hands-free mode while driving, 61% report that they never engage in such activity. The remaining 39% admit to doing so either “a handful of times” in their lives (16%) or more frequently (22%). These findings are very consistent with those of September 2009. Also consistent with the 2009 study, younger drivers (those between the ages of 18 and 34) are far more likely to text while driving than are their older counterparts. Specifically, 30% of younger Saskatchewan residents admit to texting while driving at least once or twice per week, compared to 12% among those aged 35 to 54 years and only 1% among those aged 55 years or more. Further, those of Aboriginal ancestry are more likely to text regularly while driving than are those who are of different ancestry (28% vs. 12%, respectively). Incidence of fines and knowledge of fine amount Only one percent of respondents state they have received a ticket or warning from law enforcement for using a wireless device in an illegal manner while driving a vehicle. Knowledge levels of the current fine for talking on a cell phone or texting while driving is also low. Four in ten (42%) say they are unsure of the amount of the fine while more than one third (36%) suggested the penalty fee is less than $260. Only (17%) named an amount within $20 of the correct penalty fee of $280 (i.e. gave answers between $260 and $300). Another 5% believe the fee is more than $300. Research Details A total of 802 randomly selected SaskWatch Research™ panel members participated in the online research study from July 16th to 17th, 2013. Quotas were set by age, gender and region to match the general population of the province. As the research is conducted online, it is considered to be a non-probability proportion sample and therefore, margins of error are not applicable. Past studies referenced in this press release were conducted with 800 randomly-selected SaskWatch Research™ panel members. About SaskWatch Research™ Insightrix started developing the SaskWatch Research™ online market research panel in October 2007, using high-quality techniques including telephone recruitment and referrals from existing panel members. Presently, there are over 14,000 active panel members representing all regions of the province and distributions of the general population. The panel membership closely matches the 2011 Census based on age, gender, household composition, household income, and education. For more information, please visit http://saskwatch.ca. About Insightrix Founded in 2001, Insightrix Research Inc. is a full-service market research firm that helps clients develop, administer and manage data collection and information strategies. From its office in Saskatoon, Insightrix offers a comprehensive range of research services. For further information contact: Lang McGilp, Senior Research Executive Insightrix Research Inc. Tel: 306.657.5640 Ext. 229 Cell: 306.290.9599 Fax: 306.384.5655 Email: lang.mcgilp@insightrix.com Web: www.insightrix.com...
 

25 Jun

Posted at 17:25h in News Release, Polls, Saskatchewan
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A new independent online poll conducted by Insightrix Research suggests that there is support by more than one half of Saskatchewan residents for abolishing the Canadian Senate. Specifically, 58% of all respondents stated that they would support the decision to abolish the Canadian Senate (40% strongly support and 18% somewhat support), while 18% would oppose (10% somewhat oppose, 8% strongly oppose). Equal proportions are either unsure or have no opinion the matter (12% each) Males are more likely to support the abolition of the senate (66% vs. 51% among women), and support rises sharply with age (39% among 18-34 year olds versus 75% among those aged 55 years or more). Research Details A total of 803 randomly-selected SaskWatch Research™ panel members from Saskatchewan participated in the online research study between the dates of June 11th and 13th, 2013. Quotas were set by age and gender to match the general population of the province. As the research is conducted online, it is considered to be a non-probability proportion sample and therefore, margins of error are not applicable. About SaskWatch Research™ Insightrix started developing the SaskWatch Research™ online market research panel in October 2007, using high-quality techniques including telephone recruitment and referrals from existing panel members. Presently, there are over 14,250 active panel members representing all regions of the province, and distributions of the general population. The panel membership closely matches the 2011 Census based on age, gender, household composition, household income and education. For more information, please visit: http://saskwatch.ca. About Insightrix Founded in 2001, Insightrix Research Inc. is a full-service market research firm that helps clients develop, administer, and manage data collection and information strategies. From its office in Saskatoon, Insightrix offers a comprehensive range of research services. For further information contact: Lang McGilp, Senior Research Executive Insightrix Research Inc. Tel: 306.657.5640 Ext. 229 Cell: 306.290.9599 Email: lang.mcgilp@insightrix.com Web: www.insightrix.com...