Books by the Cover

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Carey

I came across this article Monday (http://www.bps-research-digest.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-enclothed-cognition-how.html), and it sang so true to me. In my first post-collegiate career position, I had the opportunity to dress down for Denim Fridays. I found that I felt less awake and less productive on these days. Those who work with me may recognize that I tend to dress up, and this article presents the evidence for what I’ve sensed is true all these years: how we dress has a dramatic effect not only on how others perceive us but, equally importantly, on how we feel and perform. Keep that in mind next time you’re browsing through your closet and choose brilliantly what’s best for you that day!

New Tricks

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Carey

I pride myself on trying new things, but some habits are hard to break. Take coffee, for example, I like it hot and highly caffeinated. Until today. Having recently returned from Germany, I was looking for a late-afternoon boost but wandering through the West Loop in Chicago, I found it too warm for my usual java. But a very experienced barista convinced me to try iced coffee. His confidence and friendly approach made me reconsider, and viola! I like it.

On a recent study, a new client team came with me into the front room in immersion sessions with respondents, followed by a day of debriefing, idea generating, and communication development. Most of them had only been in the back room, observing until this particular project and some were hesitant about the new approach. Their willingness to embark on a new adventure in qualitative along with their warm and welcoming approach helped consumers explore the possibilities of a new product with care and consideration. The result was a higher level of engagement and inspiration.

Bravo to all those brave enough to keep moving out of their comfort zones and into new terrain.

Calling ALL Respondents

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Carey

I recently completed a research study for a new client, during the course of which I had my first official entirely illiterate respondent. He was up front and honest about it and had been thoughtful enough to bring along a helper to assist him with the confidentiality agreement and paperwork he knew he would be expected to sign.

I am confident that I have had respondents who are not literate in past groups–some known to me and some who flew under the radar, but this was the first time I had been made aware and made the conscious decision to include that person in our group. As my client said when I confirmed with her, “We have all types of customers, and we care about all of their experiences.”

This man contributed to the group with honesty and openness, and we all benefited tremendously from his participation.

At the end of that day, I was haunted by the unheard voices of so many potential participants. It made me wonder who we haven’t heard from when we screen so carefully for articulation, higher incomes, and higher education and what they have to say on so many topics and what else we might discover during their participation?