The correct spelling of "opinion research" is /əˈpɪnjən rɪˈsɜrtʃ/. The first syllable "opin" is pronounced with an unstressed schwa sound, followed by a stressed "ion" pronounced with a long "i" sound. The second word "research" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, with a short "i" sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second syllable. Properly spelling this term is important in the field of market research to maintain the integrity of the data and findings.
Opinion research, also known as public opinion research or survey research, is a systematic and scientific approach to the gathering and analysis of people's opinions, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It is designed to measure public sentiment and understand the general consensus on various topics or issues.
The primary objective of opinion research is to assess and quantify the opinions and perceptions of a specific population or sample. This is typically done through the collection of large-scale data using various methods, such as surveys, polls, interviews, focus groups, or questionnaires. These methods aim to capture a representative sample of individuals who closely resemble the target population and generate statistically reliable findings.
Opinion research is widely used in diverse fields, including market research, political analysis, social sciences, and public policy. Its applications range from evaluating consumer preferences, tracking changes in public opinion over time, understanding voting behaviors, assessing public satisfaction with government policies, testing hypotheses, and informing decision-making processes.
The data obtained from opinion research is meticulously analyzed and interpreted using statistical techniques and methodologies. This analysis allows researchers to derive meaningful insights, identify trends, and draw conclusions from the collected data. By providing objective and empirical evidence of public opinion, opinion research plays a crucial role in aiding individuals, organizations, governments, and policymakers in making informed decisions and formulating strategies that align with societal views and expectations.
The word "opinion" originates from the Latin word "opinio", which means "opinion, conjecture, or supposition". It further traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "op-", meaning "to choose, prefer".
Meanwhile, "research" has its roots in the Old French word "recerchier", which means "to seek out", and ultimately derives from the Latin word "re-" (meaning "again") and "circare" (meaning "to go about" or "to wander").
When combined, "opinion research" refers to the systematic study or investigation of people's opinions or beliefs on a specific subject.