..When a qualitative methodology is most appropriate to achieve a study's objectives (i.e., examine underlying opinions, reactions and motivations, identify patterns and trends), GQG's researchers select from these methodologies when designing a primary research study:

• One-on-one in-depth interviews (IDIs) - one participant for 45-60 minutes
• Dyads or triads - two or three participants for two hours
• Mini-focus groups - four to seven participants for two or more hours
• Regular focus groups - eight to 10 participants for two or more hours
• Super groups - 11 or more participants for two and one-half hours or more
• Central location interviews (CLIs) - 5-40 participants review and respond privately to concepts for 60-90 minutes
• Observational - individuals are observed in their own setting, frequently without knowing it; ethnographic technique
• Mystery guest - visit business or organization as a shopper, customer, or guest to gain insights about service
 
 ..Each of these basic methodologies can then be conducted in various formats, offline or online, depending upon the objectives, target segments, locations, and budget, including:
  
• In-person groups - one to 12 participants or more in face-to-face, real time sessions.
• Online groups - one to 20 participants from one or multiple cities or countries for one to two hours in GQG Online, a secure, private, virtual focus group room using state-of-the-art tools and applications, e.g., video, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Web, polling.  Live discussions currently available in eight different languages.   
• Audio conference groups - one to 20 participants from one or multiple cities or countries for one to three hours using secure audio conferencing and Web tools.
• Video conference groups - one to 15 participants from one or multiple cities or countries for one to two hours using video conferencing.
• Web conferencing groups - one or more participants using meeting, data conferencing, and Webcasting tools.
• Internet surveys or Web-based panels - one or more participants respond to Internet e-mail surveys and/or visit a secure, private Web site, review concepts or materials, and then answer open-ended questions.
• Bulletin boards - ongoing discussions with one to 5,000 participants in multiple cities, states/provinces, and/or countries engaged in participant-directed, threaded conversations between organizations and their internal and/or external customers (i.e., current, former, and/or potential).  Discussions currently available in 10 different languages. 


 ..A key determinant for selecting and customizing the most effective methodology and appropriate format is whether the research sessions and participants are:
 
   ................• Same time/same place 
   ................• Same time/different place 
   ................• Different time/same place  
   ................• Different time/different place

 ..For more information about qualitative methodologies,
please call 503.471.1397 or e-mail info@gqg-mr.com.