Relevance & Research Questions:
Many Market research institutes followed the statement of Brad Bortner who said in 2008 “Market research online communities (MROCs) will shock the qualitative market research world. They provide cheaper, faster, and newer types of insights that today's traditional qualitative research modes, such as focus groups, don't currently provide.” The following research project is challenging this statement by analyzing the special types of insights MROCs provide in comparison to traditional focus groups. In this project the effectiveness of the two methods should be tested in two aspects: First the amount of information und second the determination of individual opinions and qualtitative insights.
Methods & Data:
In order to evaluate the different possibilities of these two methodological approaches four focus and online groups have been conducted to better understand the purchase intention of customers concerning sustainability. Every group discussion (online and offline) focused on a different industry sector: clothing, cosmetics, food products and hardware for personal hygiene. First, the participants have been asked about their common buying behaviour and their estimation of the importance of sustainability. After that manufactures effort to incorporate sustainability in their array of products has been discussed and also the credibility of these activities has been evaluated. The online community groups were designed as closed groups and each focus and online group consisted of six participants.
Results:
Because this research is in progress final results are not yet available. Regarding the amount of information it is expected that the online groups reveal more information because differences between introverted and extroverted personalities are leveled. In terms of individual opinions the online groups should provide better as participants are not exposed to any pressure of conformity. In focus groups people tend to converge their opinions due to the pressure of conformity of the attending group.
Added Value:
Through this research project detailed insights regarding the advantages and disadvantages of both methods can be asserted. The results will help to determine the appropriate approach for future research questions.