Daily Research News Online no. 2215 - Researchers under the Spotlight

Researchers under the Spotlight

March 6 2003

'Reality Research', organised by research agency SKOPOS and the Market Research Society in the UK, is gearing up for action this Friday, 7th March. The event will turn the tables on market researchers and offer the public a chance to put them under surveillance, 'Big Brother' style.

On Friday, six high-profile market researchers will be locked in a viewing facility and exposed to scrutiny via live webcams. SKOPOS Reality Research, which is taking place as part of the run-up to the annual conference of the MRS 'RESEARCH2003 The Thought Leadership: Revolution' will let the public survey market researchers for the whole day, and also invite it to vote for which researchers will make it through to the final at RESEARCH2003.

The six contestants - selected from over 150 nominations - will be:

Sindy Carmichael-Brown from the Ford Motor Company
Sarah Castell, project director, Flamingo
Dan Foreman, planning director, WFCA Integrated
John Kelly, partner, MDL Research and former president of ESOMAR
Robert Rush, executive director, PFA Research
Richard Sheldrake, founder, Perspective.

Following the 'Big Brother' pattern, throughout the day the contestants will be set a range of tasks combining mental and physical challenges. They will also be encouraged to participate in a number of specific debates to explore their views on their profession, the market research industry in general and the public's perception of it.

Broadcast via webcams, the drama can be viewed live as it unfolds at www.reality-research.com In addition, viewers will have the chance to decide who walks free early on and who stays for the duration by voting either online or via SMS or WAP courtesy of provider SPSS. The final winner will be selected by delegates to RESEARCH2003 between 19-21 March.

To find out how the contestants fare on 7 March, log on to www.reality-research.com from 9.30am.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.