Advanced Analysis

Our more advanced analysis techniques, or interpretive analysis, are ways to yield more insight from survey research than is possible from simply performing cross-tabulations (e.g. younger vs. older, active vs. lapsed, etc.).

 Database Analysis

Database research examines the actual behavior of donors or members in terms of how they give, renew, join, and lapse. Database analysis does not require interaction with donors, members, or other constituents.

Below are several standard types of analysis that we can do for you. Our capabilities are not limited by this list though. We can analyze your database in a way that addresses your own unique needs.

 Depth Interviews

Depth (in-depth) interviews are a research tool that can, when properly used, provide many of the same benefits as focus groups. A depth interview consists of a professional research interviewer discussing research topics with the respondent. Unlike surveys, respondents are encouraged to go into great detail and provide thoughtful, unaided responses. Thus, depth interviews delve deeper into topics than surveys. The interviewer follows a pre-approved discussion guide to ensure that all of the pre-approved topics are discussed.

The purpose of these depth interviews is to conduct qualitative research among a dispersed audience, like the donors, members, or customers to your organization. The research design will reveal the perceptions, attitudes and motivations of these constituents through questions similar to those that could be posed to a focus group.

  Focus Groups

Focus groups provide a live forum for you to learn the fundamental attitudes, preferences, motivations, and opinions from those you are interested in reaching or serving. Typical surveys only scratch the surface of this type of feedback.

This type of research also enables participants to share what they believe are relevant issues; the feedback is not just a response to pre-defined issues. In this way, the findings can better reflect the range of opinions present in the marketplace.

Trained interviewers typically handle the recruiting portion of such a study. We work with clients to craft a discussion guide to lead the groups, and use skilled moderators trained in properly leading focus group discussions. The sessions can typically be audio-taped and recorded either on videotape or DVD.

  Online Groups

Qualitative research such as this enables organizations to learn the heart-felt feelings, perceptions, attitudes, and motivations from constituents – concepts that cannot be fully explored in a structured survey. This type of research can also help generate ideas and bring to light issues that your organization may not have considered.

The qualitative research will take the form of moderated online “bulletin-board” focus groups that follow a discussion guide similar to that which might be used in a live setting. The participants for these groups may be recruited without concern for geographic location. The groups can be conducted either live at a set time, or over a number of days at the participants' convenience.

We  handle every step, from recruiting to reporting. This research collects data in a highly interactive, dynamic format. Interaction between participants is encouraged.