In order to obtain consumer opinion of a test product, custom studies may be designed to gather desired information, such as acceptance of product aesthetics, product efficacy, marketing information, ease of use, etc., via questionnaire responses. Any number of subjects may be enrolled in a consumer research study, however, it is recommended that no fewer than 30 subjects be utilized for statistical relevance.
Survey capture
Procedure
Typically, a consumer research study would require the test product to be used under normal use conditions. Depending on your objective, the study may entail one use of the test product (e.g., for questions regarding ease of application, efficacy after a single application, or long-lasting claims) or may require the test product to be used over several weeks. Individual units of the test product must be provided by you, the Sponsor, in a quantity sufficient to last each subject for the number of required uses. Each unit will be labeled with identifying study and subject numbers by Eurofins CRL staff prior to distribution. Subjects are provided with the test product(s), instructions for use, and a daily diary in which to record each use. At the end of the specified study period, subjects return for the final visit for completion of a questionnaire.
Focus group observation
Questionnaires may also be administered at various time points during the study. When possible, Eurofins CRL uses a computerized program such as EvaSys for subjects to directly enter questionnaire responses, allowing for rapid tabulation of responses at the end of the study. It is recommended that each questionnaire include no more than 25 questions in order to maintain subject focus, and that when possible, multiple choice questions offer a choice of five responses (two positive, one neutral and two negative choices). Your Client Services Representative and Eurofins CRL technical staff can assist you in designing an appropriate study tailored for your specific product and objectives.
Interpretation & Reporting of Results
Following study completion, a tabulation of responses listing the number and percentage of subjects choosing each response for multiple choice questions will be issued in an audited Final Report. If requested, statistical analysis may be applied, to determine statistical significance between positive and negative responses, using a Z-test. For all open-ended questions, responses will be listed for each subject.
Scheduling a Consumer Research study
To schedule, please contact your Client Services representative at 732-981-1616 or contact us by e-mail: infonj@cpt.eurofinsus.com.