Survey sample size – how big is big enough?
When designing and running surveys, the question often arises, ‘How large should the survey sample be?’ It is easy to be seduced into thinking bigger is better. If time and budget were limitless, we would interview everyone in a population to guarantee reliability and accuracy. But that is never possible. There comes a point of […]
Read moreReferenda, elections and surveys
The recent Australian federal election was not a referendum on the carbon tax. It was not a referendum on anything. The reason is simple. A referendum is a vote of the people on one measure in response to one very specific question about the Australian Constitution. The question is posed as a statement that requires […]
Read moreMeasuring arts and culture – does it have to be all or nothing?
Many years ago it was common to think it impossible, misleading and wrong to measure broad intangible concepts like, arts, culture and the environment. It just didn’t feel right to put a value on these things. Now it is well accepted to measure the value of the environment, as well as arts, culture and wellbeing. […]
Read moreFrom moo to mime- Rockhampton’s artistic transition
Have you been to Rockhampton lately? The beef capital of Australia is going through a period of artistic and cultural change. And that’s no bull. But don’t get me wrong. When you arrive at the airport don’t expect to have your portrait painted as you wait at the luggage carousel. You are unlikely to be […]
Read moreABC radio interview – my work evaluating the role of the arts in disaster recovery
Whilst in Rockhampton last week at the Articulate:Queensland Regional Arts and Culture Conference 2013, I was interviewed on local ABC Radio. Jacqui Mackay, Breakfast Presenter on ABC Capricornia, spoke with me about my work evaluating arts-led initiatives to help rebuilding communities after natural disasters. You can listen to the audio file here. http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/08/can-the-arts-help-after-a-disaster.html?site=capricornia&program=capricornia_breakfast
Read moreRockhampton Regional Arts Rundown
For three days last week a few hundred delegates descended on Rockhampton for Articulate: Queensland Regional Arts and Culture Conference. It was no coincidence the conference was held in Rockhampton; this region is experiencing a burst of creative activity and energy, with the Creative Capricorn initiative in full swing. The presentation topics were interesting and […]
Read moreFour market research techniques that will become obsolete before we can imagine
Do you have gadgets that are being superseded before you even get a chance to use them? I certainly do. Some online tools I am using for evaluation projects are being superseded within the course of the project timeline. But it is not just the evolution of technology that seems to be driving trends in […]
Read more6 lessons from the choir
I have been a chorister in Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for 17 years – about as long as I have been working in social and market research. It recently occurred to me that the way I operate my consulting business has been heavily influenced by my experience in this choir. The important thing here is that […]
Read moreHow do you know what you need to know?
So, you have a research or evaluation project ready to put out to tender. How do you know what information you need to know? How do you know what approach to take in order to address your questions? A capable and skilled consultant can work through this for you or with you, but in the […]
Read more10 common mistakes in survey design
The availability of free online survey software like Survey Monkey means that anyone can design and run a survey. It’s great that these tools are so readily available. It means that gathering important data is easier and cost-effective. On the other hand, surveys are being designed by people with little or no experience. Here are […]
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