Applied Research - West, Inc. offers several ways to collect data: the Internet, by telephone, through the mail, or increasingly through hybrid forms of data collection.

Web-Based Survey Data Collection
Applied began using the web for research in 1995, when it was asked to conduct a study for Hallmark Cards. Since then, the company has used this new technology to conduct increasingly complex surveys on the Internet. Applied uses the Internet to conduct conjoint and discrete choice studies, among many other types of research designs. Our programming permits us to integrate complex skip patterns and real-time reporting. Other design features include perception analyzer and “point and click” thermometer scales. Applied can also bring in pop-up pictures and video/audio files that help demonstrate product features and capabilities. Data encryption is available to protect valuable and proprietary client information.

Telephone Data Collection
The company houses its own phone room for traditional telephone studies. Prior to interviewing, interviewers are trained using Applied’s specially developed training program.

New interviewers are taught the importance of: (1) quality and accurate data entry prior to making their first call, (2) probing and clarifying responses, and (3) keeping client information confidential.

Applied management briefs interviewers prior to a study and clients are encouraged to attend. Interviewers are monitored during the interviewing and clients may monitor the interviewers from their own offices or homes.

The company uses a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) software system. It consists of interviewer software and a tabulation package. With this software, Applied can design simple or complex questionnaires and manage a large number of quota cells (for example, different segments or different time zones).

The CATI’s sample management features also permit the scheduling of respondent callbacks in order to complete interviews, or in business research, Applied furnishes an 800-number to permit respondents to call in at their convenience.

Mail Data Collection
If clients prefer to collect data through the mail with a self-administered questionnaire, Applied will design or review the questionnaire, manage the printing and distribution of the questionnaire, and enter or scan the completed questionnaires into the computer. To ensure that all data is accurately entered, Applied practices 100% verification.

Other Data Collection and Recruiting
Applied interviewers can mystery shop, conduct intercepts or recruit for focus groups or one-on-one depth interviews. Company personnel have years of experience fielding studies nationwide or locally and have established relationships with a variety of suppliers. The company understands the requirement for quality respondents, and therefore recruits strictly according to client specifications.
Reminder calls and letters are sent to respondents to helpensure a good show rate.