WHAT WE DO

Omnibus surveys are a great way to collect a smaller amount of data from a national survey in a quick and cost effective way. If a complete study is not necessary to address your research problem, purchasing a set of questions on a directed omnibus survey can generate the sort of response which suits your needs.

Abacus Data conducts regular omnibus surveys of national, provincial, and local populations in Canada. Scalable, direct, and with fast results, the Abacus Omnibus can put the right information in your hands when you need it.

For more information on our omnibus products or to purchase questions on our next survey, please contact David Coletto.

Targeted opinion leader consultations can be a powerful tool for assessing the attitudes of “influencers” in highly specialized sectors. To conduct such a study, Abacus Data works with clients to develop a target participant list. We then develop the forum for participants to offer their thoughts, opinions, and recommendations. Unlike surveys or focus groups, these consultations are less formal and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on areas of interest for clients.

Due to their industry-specific nature, no two consultations are the same, giving clients exclusive insight into their business environment from those in the “know”.

Focus groups are comprised of individuals recruited specifically at a client’s request. Through these groups, clients are able to go deeper into understanding their markets whether they be consumers, employees, or other stakeholders.

Focus groups are effective as stand-alone research products or in conjunction with other methodologies.  Focus groups are often conducted prior to a larger quantitative study to verify and clarify language and concepts. They can also be used after quantitative studies to identify causal links between relationships identified in survey research or further investigate a segment group identified in the survey research.

For example, consider a case where survey research found a relationship between a customer’s purchasing behaviour and the design of the retailer’s website. As a customer’s attitude towards the website increases, so too does the likelihood of making a purchase.  However, survey research was unable to discover why the relationship exists until users of the website discussed their experience in a focus group setting. Clients and researchers are able to observe prospective clients as they navigate through the site.  Focus groups or other qualitative research methods can help to identify the link between website layout and purchasing behaviour.

Intercept studies are targeted surveys conducted in an area where a client’s target group is most likely to be present. This may be in a client’s retail location, in a mall, or at an event.

The primary benefit of intercept studies is the nature of the results generated, as data is collected during the course of the individual’s experience with the product or service being tested.

They are useful for evaluations of a retail store’s layout, the effectiveness of signage or advertising, or to evaluate the consumer’s instant reaction to their customer service experience.

While these types of studies provide a quick overview of target behavior and feeling, they are best used as a guide for further study, as part of a more comprehensive program, or as a way to evaluate the effects of previous decisions.

Abacus Data is equipped to assist clients with panel creation and management. Either as a stand-alone project, or part of a greater research package, we can help clients gain maximum insight into their clients, customers, constituents, or peers by creating and maintaining unique research panels.

Prospective panelists are invited to join the panel by the client and are usually offered incentives to do so.  Panelists then have their own unique portal for tracking available surveys and rewards, and viewing publicly available results.  Research panels offer clients a cost-effective way of collecting feedback from stakeholders over time.  Moreover, by engaging stakeholders in such a panel, attitudes towards the client may improve as stakeholders feel as though their thoughts are being heard and put into action.

Panels may be specifically useful for member organizations who want to consult with their membership on a frequent basis or for companies who want to test new product concepts or ideas with current customers.

Quantitative studies are used when a client wants to generalize findings to a broader group of people and be certain that the opinions and behaviour of respondents match those found in the broader study area. Quantitative studies are not limited to the general public and may also examine a specific consumer group or a targeted stakeholder. Abacus Data works with clients to identify the most appropriate sampling frame and survey design to ensure we’re talking to the right people in the right way.

Abacus Data has the capacity to conduct quantitative studies online, by telephone, or by mail. The research objectives will influence the methodology we recommend to our clients.

We generally recommend online surveys if they are feasible because they are more affordable, have a quicker turnaround time, and allow clients to use multimedia or more advanced questions.  Our methodology and data quality procedures leverage the growth of online panel communities to ensure accurate estimates of public attitudes.   This means that high-quality market and public opinion research is accessible to more people, interests, and organizations.

Often, projects require more than just statistical data to fully answer complex research questions. Sometimes, a survey is less effective at uncovering critical information than longer, structured or unstructured interviews. The experienced research team at Abacus Data can work with clients to identify key stakeholders or targets with whom to arrange one-on-one interviews. Information from these interviews can add depth and context to the findings from other research methods.