Survey Research in Transition
The continuing role for survey research as a key instrument of market intelligence requires the expertise to ensure that survey science remains rigorous and predictive in a radically new, AI-powered insights environment. There are already discussions about the applicability of synthetic data to opinion research and questions being posed about the implications of scaling AI-guided qualitative data up to survey proportions. These are issues that will challenge the standards we apply to both qualitative and quantitative research disciplines.
While surveys are just one sightline to consumers, they remain indispensable sources of insight linking motivations and experiences to behavior. We think it’s a safe bet that AI will not replace survey data — merely add extra horsepower. A holistic insights perspective requires the contribution of survey research – and continuing appreciation for the art and science that makes it work.