--- title: Activity Based Market Research description: "Utilizing Online Community activity-based market research to understand consumer motivations and grow your business \n " image: https://blog.mdrginc.com/hubfs/lina%20blog%20post%20pic-1.png --- [![resized-transparent-logo](https://blog.mdrginc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resized-transparent-logo.png?width=135&height=40&name=resized-transparent-logo.png "resized-transparent-logo")](https://www.mdrginc.com/) - [Who We Are](https://www.mdrginc.com/who-we-are/) - Who We Are - [Our Team](https://www.mdrginc.com/who-we-are/) - [History](https://www.mdrginc.com/who-we-are/history/) - [What We Do](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/) - Industries - [Healthcare](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/healthcare-market-research/) - [CPG](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/cpg-industry/) - [Finance](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/finance-industry/) - [Media and Communications](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/media-and-communications/) - [Utilities](https://www.mdrginc.com/utilities/) - 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[CPG](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/cpg-industry/) - [Finance](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/finance-industry/) - [Health](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/healthcare-market-research/) - [Media and Communications](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/media-and-communications/) - [Utilities](https://www.mdrginc.com/utilities/) - Research & Strategy - [Qualitative](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/qualitative-research/) - [Quantitative](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/quantitative-research/) - [Brand Strategy](https://www.mdrginc.com/brand-strategy) - [Product Innovation](https://www.mdrginc.com/sensory-product-research-offerings) - [AI Solutions](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/ai-solutions/) - Back - [How We Do It](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/) - Whole Mind Approach ™ - [Whole Mind Approach ™](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/) - [System 1](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/system-1) - [System 2](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/system-2) - [Behavioral Science](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/behavioral-science) - [System Process](https://www.mdrginc.com/system-process/) - Products - [Brand Tracking](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/brand-tracking/) - [Brand Health Score](https://www.mdrginc.com/brand-health-score) - [Product Innovation Pipeline](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/product-innovation-pipeline/) - [Insights Assessments](https://www.mdrginc.com/cx-insights-assessment-offering/) - [HX Index](https://www.mdrginc.com/healthcare-experience-hx-index) - Capabilities - [Advertising](https://www.mdrginc.com/advertising-research) - [Brand Research](https://www.mdrginc.com/brand-research-2) - [Product Development](https://www.mdrginc.com/product-research) - [Customer Experience](https://www.mdrginc.com/customer-experience-research) - Back - [Our Work](https://www.mdrginc.com/our-work/) - [Blog](https://blog.mdrginc.com/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.mdrginc.com/case-study) - [Thought Leadership](https://www.mdrginc.com/our-work) - [Resources](https://www.mdrginc.com/our-work/resources/) - [Podcast](https://www.mdrginc.com/our-work/mdrg-healthcare-podcast/) - Back [Contact Us](https://www.mdrginc.com/contact/) [Contact Us](https://www.mdrginc.com/contact/) Topic: [Research Methods](https://blog.mdrginc.com/tag/research-methods) # Activity Based Market Research by [Lina Kabarowski](https://blog.mdrginc.com/author/lina-kabarowski) Feb 14, 2023 10:18:20 AM Qualitative market research offers some of the richest insights when it comes to understanding your consumer. With different study methodologies varying in their strengths, weaknesses, and applications, the key is understanding which one to use in order to get the most actionable insights for your research goals. ##### But with so many options, how can you be sure you’re choosing the correct one?  Currently surging in popularity is **[activity-based market research, such as online communities](https://www.greenbook.org/market-research-firms/online-communities#p10).** Taking inspiration from the success of social networking websites, market research online communities (MROCs) are founded on a community platform custom designed for research purposes. The idea behind an MROC is to gather real-time insights using closed groups of community members. They participate in moderated discussions related to a given topic, interacting with each other via discussion boards, threads, and comments. This conversation helps identify consumers' concerns and whether products make them happy or not. Authentic conversations between consumers are observed and reported, providing the ultimate feedback on your research topic.  Participants are recruited to the online community based on predetermined criteria. Since conducting research with a[MROC](https://www.questionpro.com/blog/what-is-an-online-community-and-how-you-can-benefit-from-it/)is entirely virtual, a market research firm can often find participants who would otherwise not be able to join a panel due to various restraints. With sample sizes for a successful online community ranging from a few dozen to thousands of participants, communities are flexible depending on the goals of the specific project. A researcher sets the parameters and develops guides for all discussions and activities that the group will engage in.  ##### So, what makes an [online community](https://qualzy.com/insight-communities)a better option than a traditional focus group?   ###### Community participants tend to be more active and engaged because they can respond on any device, anytime, anyplace.  - Asynchronous participation allows for more time to consider responses and flexibility to fit into busy lives as projects can run for several days or weeks.   - The social media-style interface feels familiar and inviting.  - Moderators can engage with community members one on one or with the group as a whole. - Engagement is monitored through the OC database and encouraged through emails and notifications sent directly to community members.  Online community members could be asked to choose photos relating to their sentiments on a certain topic, allowing them to be more expressive or better portray an emotion. Displaying concept boards allows community members to comment specifically on areas they like or dislike. They can take part in polls or short surveys, upload videos, and comment on each other’s posts. The dialogue between members becomes quite fluid and reveals consumer motivations in a very organic manner.  Market research online communities offer many advantages in a more convenient, flexible, and inexpensive way than traditional surveying or focus groups. ##### If you’re interested in setting up an [online community](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/system-2/insight-communities/) for your research needs, reach out to us at info@mdrginc.com.  MDRG is a market research firm based in New Orleans, LA focused on unlocking the WHOLE MIND for deeper insights!  Are you eager to stay ahead of the curve in your industry? Sign up for our monthly insights email and gain exclusive access to valuable market research, industry trends, and actionable recommendations delivered directly to your inbox. - - - - [mailto:?subject=%20site&body=Check%20out%20this%20site%20https://blog.mdrginc.com/top-x-reasons-you-need-market-research-in-2023-0](mailto:?subject=%20site&body=Check%20out%20this%20site%20https://blog.mdrginc.com/top-x-reasons-you-need-market-research-in-2023-0) Topics from this blog: [Research Methods](https://blog.mdrginc.com/tag/research-methods) ### [Lina Kabarowski](https://blog.mdrginc.com/blog/author/lina-kabarowski) ## Is your research data rich but insights poor? Download our guide to evaluate your research process and set the foundation for future success. [DOWNLOAD NOW](https://info.mdrginc.com/landing-page-improving-insights-a-guide-to-getting-actionable-results-from-market-research) We are America's Favorite **Homestay for Foreign Students!** Start your **student homestay** adventure with us today and find out why international student's from all over the world love AmeriStudent. ## More blogs on this topic: [How Consumer Identity Is Rewriting the Rules of Engagement](https://blog.mdrginc.com/how-consumer-identity-is-rewriting-the-rules-of-engagement) [Virtual Audiences: The Future of Market Research](https://blog.mdrginc.com/virtual-audiences-the-future-of-market-research) [Market Research as a Strategic Compass in Rare Disease](https://blog.mdrginc.com/market-research-in-rare-disease) [Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Sample Size in Qualitative Research](https://blog.mdrginc.com/qual-sample-size) - [Core Competencies](https://www.mdrginc.com/what-we-do/core-competencies/) - [Careers](https://www.mdrginc.com/who-we-are/) - [How We Do It](https://www.mdrginc.com/how-we-do-it/) - [Contact](https://www.mdrginc.com/contact/) - [Blogs](https://blog.mdrginc.com) [![MDRG](https://blog.mdrginc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/MDRG_June2021/images/footer-Logo.png?width=182&height=589&name=footer-Logo.png "MDRG")](https://www.mdrginc.com/) - - - - New Orleans, LA 70112 - [(504) - 821 - 1910](tel:(504)%20-%20821%20-%201910) - [info@mdrginc.com](mailto:info@mdrginc.com) © MDRG inc. 2021. 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