Making Research Matter
Research is more than just a job—it shapes the world we live in. Progress is impossible without understanding our shortcomings, making research an essential act of learning how to improve. Whether it’s ad testing designed to encourage flu vaccinations or jury research aimed at preventing wrongful convictions, research has the power to positively influence our world.
The question is, how can we amplify that impact in 2025? Here are four ways researchers can grow their influence in the coming year:
1. Leverage AI for Faster Insights
In 2024, AI was a research buzzword—and it’s not going away. At FGA Research™, we’re developing tools to deliver comprehensive reports and summaries within minutes of a focus group’s conclusion. These advancements ensure researchers can kick-start post-study analysis with unprecedented speed, allowing them to focus more on actionable insights and less on administrative tasks.
2. Prioritize Real-Time Data Collection
When it comes to data collection, speed and accuracy are paramount. Real-time tools are revolutionizing the way we gather insights. With solutions like LiveView® Notes, consultants can engage with participants’ thoughts as fast as they can write them down, guaranteeing timely, high-quality feedback that resonates long after the study ends.
3. Share Insights When Possible
When research isn’t bound by NDAs or confidentiality restrictions, publishing findings in journals or blogs can be a game-changer. Sharing effective methodologies across industries fosters competition, encourages cross-collaboration, and strengthens the research community as a whole. By making research more accessible, we can push the industry forward together.
4. Embrace a Qual-Quant Approach
Many companies still operate primarily in either qualitative or quantitative research, but this either-or mentality can stifle growth. At FGA Research™, we’ve adopted a qual-quant model, combining a network of qualitative consultants with quantitative panel-building expertise. This hybrid approach maximizes both profitability and impact, providing clients with comprehensive insights that no single method could achieve alone.
The year 2025 is brimming with opportunities to make our world a better place through research. At its core, that’s what the industry has always been about. The only thing left to do is grab our metaphorical brushes and start painting a brighter, more informed tomorrow.