// M E T H O D S

Strategic Metrics is a full-service custom market research firm. We work with our clients to determine the best methods of research and data collection according to their unique requirements.

Some criteria in determining the right methods include desired accuracy, time availability, depth of information needed, and budget considerations. SMI contacts over 100,00 respondents each year using different research methods.

Our research staff are experts in the following methods:

/FOCUS GROUPS/DEPTH INTERVIEW
Focus groups / depth interviews are used to obtain detailed information from a group of people on a particular subject such as a new product or idea. SMI has experienced, professional moderators / interviewers who conduct focus group sessions and interviews. We have industry expertise in media sales, financial services and retailing. 

Depth interviews are generally conducted one-on-one with either ideal target customer or subject expert.
 
/TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS
Telephone interviews allow for fast collection of data with the ability to probe client responses. Strategic Metrics collects many client data using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) methods. 

Our interviewers are specifically trained in your interviewing requirements. Additional training and computer software scripting is emphasized to neutralize interviewer bias. Our management team and clients monitors interviews on a routine basis for quality assurance and research validity. 
 
/MAIL SURVEYS
SMI uses mail surveys to obtain detailed consumer and business data. Mail surveys are often used when the amount of data is lengthy and not time-sensitive. SMI provides a complete mail survey solution; we will generate mailing lists, design survey, print surveys, collect data, analyze the findings, and present interpretations.

/WEB SURVEYS
Depending on the target population, web-based surveys can be an effective and efficient data collection method. SMI works with our clients to customize web surveys and integrate it with existing websites. As with mail surveys, web-based surveys are useful when the amount of data needed prohibits the use of live interactions.

/IVR AUTOMATED TELEPHONE SURVEYS
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone survey allows for quick, efficient collection of a small set of data. IVR uses prompted voice recordings to ask survey questions. Respondents may then respond using telephone keypad or their own voice to answer questions.

Regardless of the data collection method employed, SMI conducts its research with utmost care. We follow strict scientific methods to ensure objective, reliable and valid results. Decision makers can be ensured that their strategic decisions are based on solid data.