Before I began my summer internship at The Pert Group, I did not have a lot of experience with qualitative research. I understood the basics, such as how it differed from quantitative research and the different methods of research that can be applied. But now as a qualitative intern I am learning more than I could have imagined, thanks to the diversity of knowledge and backgrounds that the Qualitative Research team possesses at The Pert Group. Their drive to discover and capacity for innovation with experience from a variety of different educational backgrounds allows for a cohesive collection of information and successful outcomes for each client.
Qualitative research requires a lot of interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to gather and analyze information from a variety of different sets of people. The varying backgrounds of the Qualitative team allows for a wide range of studies to be conducted and different styles of moderation and research to take place. For example, our Qualitative director Heather Mitchell has a background in quantitative research and statistics with a more analysis-based approach, while our senior Qualitative researcher Erica Ruyle specializes in ethnographic research, allowing her to use anthropological methods and approaches to moderation and research. Our Senior Vice President, Christopher Barnes, has an extensive background in areas ranging from commercial research to politics to academics. He uses his immeasurable experience to really push people to answer the questions we need, while at times moderating some of the more difficult topics to discuss.
Qualitative researcher Alexa Megna is a trained sociologist and therefore can make participants feel at ease and open to sharing with her. Keri MacNaughton, another one of The Pert Group’s Qualitative researchers, has a background in psychology and experimental research, which allows her to hone in on sensitive issues with participants through her empathetic and sympathetic nature and moderation style. Senior Qualitative researcher Megan Hamel has a degree in Communications and experience with quantitative research, bringing a creative aspect to the team. Lastly, Nicole Papapietro, another one of The Pert Group’s Qualitative researchers, has a background in Psychology and her knowledge of the Portuguese and Brazilian culture has benefited the team on numerous occasions in past studies. The way that each researcher communicates with a participant and gathers information is unique, which permits the Qualitative team to have an extensive variety of possibilities in its research.
In addition to the wide array of backgrounds and moderation styles accessible, there is also the characteristic of age that is important within the Qualitative team. The Qualitative team has a wide age-range among its moderators that allows us to communicate and connect with all different generations. The qualitative researchers on the team are well-equipped with fresh ideas and are being put right into the action of moderation and research with each of our clients, including our younger moderators. Our moderators especially understand the Millennial segment, which is seen as a major advantage as the Millennial market continues to grow and change.
Working with clients and projects with different members of the team has allowed me to witness the different styles and approaches in action. The way that one researcher may see and approach a situation can be completely different than that of another researcher. This allows for a more detailed result to be found and a variety of concrete solutions to be created. No matter who a client works with, they are bound for success. If you are interested in working with our well-equipped and versatile Qualitative team on your next project, please contact The Pert Group.
