Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How are research participants recruited?
How are sweepstakes winners determined?
How is the confidentiality of a respondent protected?
How long are typical market research studies?
What are the advantages to working with Karlamar Associates?

How are research participants recruited?

We work with our clients to understand whom and what they wish to study. By discussing potential types of participants, we identify relevant attributes and determine if further segmentation is required. Identifying these attributes upfront helps ensure adequate representation in the sample. We then determine how many participants are required to provide meaningful data, and determine how many people need to be recruited.

Depending on the desired demographics, likely sources of contact are identified. These sources range from client customer lists,to opt-in email distribution lists, to published business listings. We take care to find the best source of qualified participants. Depending upon the nature of the list, members of these lists may be contacted by targeted email by the official list owner,contacted through direct mail, or called by a tele-recruitment house. These people are then asked a series of questions to ensure that they adequately represent the specific characteristics of the groups to be surveyed. People who fit the desired demographics are then invited to participate in the actual study.

How are sweepstakes winners determined?

We randomly assign each survey participant a unique User ID and password at the beginning of the study. At the conclusion of the study, an ID is randomly selected from those respondents that have both completed the survey and have voluntarily provided contact information.

How is the confidentiality of a respondent protected?

Personal information, such as name or email address, is not collected as part of the survey data-set. If the respondent voluntarily provides it for the administration of a sweepstakes or individual participation incentives, this data is stored separately from the survey data-set. In the event that the client wishes to follow-up with participants after a survey, the participant is informed of this request during the study, and is allowed to opt-into follow-up studies. Survey results are presented to the client in aggregate form. No personally identifiable information is shared with the client. We value the privacy of our respondents and do not share our respondent information.

How long are typical market research studies?

Since every client has unique requirements, there are no typical studies. Time is dependent on a variety of things such as the type of research conducted, the number of participants, the accessibility and availability of participants, the complexity of the study, timeliness of the client's feedback/approvals, preparation required, the level of analysis desired and other things like proximity to holidays and vacations. We take all of these things into account when we develop our schedules, and list all of the assumptions made along the way. In some cases, world events outside of our control affect the timing of a study. For instance, it is difficult to conduct web surveys during computer virus scares, or send 5000 invitations via U.S. mail during an anthrax crisis.

What are the advantages to working with Karlamar Associates?

Our flexibility and ability to tailor our methods and services to meet your needs and budget. We don't force you into a cookie-cutter approach to market research. We realize that everyone's research needs are different and we are able to accommodate those differences through our custom research designs. Our knowledge of what and how information is used to make business decisions. We have spent time in industry and know what data is required to make solid business decisions.