Custom Market Research

Primary Custom Research

We provide the precise level of service that best fits each client’s needs, from comprehensive research design and project management to ad-hoc recommendations regarding individual research elements.

Our primary custom research experience covers a wide spectrum of industries and client sizes, ranging from global technology leaders testing new product concepts in emerging international markets, to regional service providers seeking customer satisfaction metrics. We’ve helped established mass marketers probe consumer attitudes and brand awareness, and helped start-ups evaluate the impact of various positioning statements.

Regardless of client size or project scope, we are consistent in our commitment to data integrity.

Needs Assessment

Effective research begins with a thorough understanding of client objectives.  We ask a lot of questions, and in collaboration with clients, we appraise the value of different methodologies and data collection techniques.  This systematic inquiry process serves to refine the outcomes expected from the research. 

Methodological Recommendations

pH Market Research works with clients to determine the optimal data collection instrument for each research project.  While one objective may be accomplished quantitatively using online surveys, another might be better served by moderated focus groups.  Our clients leverage our expertise to recommend the most efficient and cost-effective methodology.  

Questionnaire Design and Data Collection

We are experts in designing effective questionnaires based on specific informational needs and desired analytical inputs.  In our survey design, we strive to construct questions that are valid, reliable and minimize bias.  We adhere to CASRO guidelines for data collection and include proprietary quality assurance metrics in all survey designs.

Analysis and Reporting: Pragmatic Insights

As specialists in regression, correlation, cross-tabulation programming and analysis we are consistently recognized for delivering clear, insightful, and actionable executive summaries and reports.

We deliver our results in the manner best suited for our clients and their constituents.  Our reports and presentations can be delivered in-person or online, leveraging the media and technologies most appropriate for the client.

Methodologies

Effective customer insights can be gathered through quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies. In simple terms, the quantitative approach produces scientifically derived numerical data, while qualitative methods can help lead to in-depth personalized inquiry.

Quantitative

Quantitative methodologies yield results which are projectable to the population of interest with a high degree of statistical reliability. Methodologies include web surveys, email outreach, telephone interviews, mail surveys, and in-person interviews.

Analytical tools for quantitative data include cross-tabulations of responses, correlation analysis, regression analysis, factor and cluster analysis, and perceptual mapping.

Qualitative

Qualitative methodologies are an excellent tool for exploration and yield findings which are directional in nature. Techniques include individual in-depth interviews, dyads and triads, mini-groups, and traditional and online focus groups. When appropriate, pH Market Research LLC partners with our seasoned network of specialists to develop qualitative research that compliments or adds value to our primary quantitative initiatives.

With each of these methods, pH Market Research LLC works with clients to determine the optimal research design and create the data collection instrument, then gathers respondent data, compiles and analyzes the results, and prepares executive summaries and reports that are clear, concise, and action-oriented.

About Us

Founder Pamela Hurley is an accomplished market research professional with over 25 years of successful project management experience, dedicated to delivering top quality product on time and on budget. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Pam started her career at Pathfinder Research Group in Acton, MA under the mentorship of the late Jim Shur, a nationally renowned market research expert and pioneer. Many of Jim Shur’s underlings have gone on to serve in senior research positions at global consumer goods marketers.

After Shur’s retirement, Pam founded pH Market Research LLC to emulate the exacting standards of research that deliver actionable data to support strategic decision making at the highest levels. Leveraging an extensive network of industry experts, survey sample aggregators, service providers, and evolving survey technologies, pH Market Research has deftly managed hundreds of one time and ongoing high profile research projects.

Under her guidance and management, pH Market Research LLC has deftly coordinated and executed primary research projects with a wide variety of scope, geography and complexity. Hallmarks of her leadership include our high level of repeat clients and consistent praise for excellence.

Patrick Hurley joined the firm full time in 2013, fine tuning project processes and techniques to increase efficiency, project turnaround, and improved data visualization. His career included a financial management position at Mediamark Research Inc., helping to drive profitability and efficiency on one of America’s largest syndicated consumer research projects. Transitioning from financial management to sales, Patrick helped establish reseller sales channels for telecommunications innovators and start-ups including MCI Communications and Vertical Networks. His aptitude for leveraging technology has enabled pH Market Research LLC to cost-effectively retain myriad best of breed specialists, sample providers, experts/academics, and automation tools to respond to rapid market changes and client needs.

At pH Market Research, we excel at developing optimal approaches for specific market research challenges. We believe that the right approach to data collection is critical to the success of the project.