Random Thoughts
February 28, 2023
In any qualitative end-user research project, one of the most important components is the recruitment of appropriate and correct end-users (or respondents). After all, an incorrect source yields useless research data in the best-case scenario, and detrimental decisions in the worst case.
In this post, I want to focus on alerting you, as research buyers, on what to look out for in that area when deciding which qualitative research agency to hire. So here is a simple checklist you should look at:
Do they perform rigorous multiple screenings on the prospective respondents based on the screening questionnaire (initial recruit and pre-interview at the very least)? Respondents who aren’t who they said they are will answer the same questionnaire differently each time, this is usually a good indication of a potential “professional respondent”.
Do they double-check the respondents against legal documentation to ensure they are whom they said they are (such as checking their ID cards, business cards, etc.)?
Do they have backup respondents? This is especially important just in case the original respondent cannot make the appointment for whatever reason; or if a “professional respondent” is discovered.
Do they continually keep in touch with the recruited respondent to remind them of the interview appointment? This is important to keep the respondent engaged in this process throughout.
Well, that’s all I have to share for the week. And again, this is still just my humble opinion, and you are welcome to disagree with me. But please comment and let me know your thoughts so we can get a conversation going. Besides, please follow our socials for more!
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