Baltimore Research

Baltimore Research Privacy Policy -



FAQs of Focus Group Respondents-

Who are you guys?
Great question! We are a marketing research firm and focus group facility located in Baltimore (Towson). We have been around since 1960 and specialize in recruiting for opinion research and focus groups.


What is a focus group?
A focus group is a roundtable discussion of usually 8-10 individuals with some shared characteristics. Focus groups are led by a professional moderator, who keeps the discussion on topic. Focus groups are interactive in nature with each person afforded the opportunity to share their opinions, viewpoints and experiences.


Can I call Baltimore Research to see in which focus groups I may participate?
While you certainly may call us to update your personal information or inquire about projects, rest assured that if we have your information and contact numbers, we will call you if you may qualify for a focus group at Baltimore Research. Our quality control process does not permit us to accept "call-ins" unless you are responding to an ad, flyer, email, or letter requesting a call into our office.


Who are the other people in the focus group?
The focus group is comprised of a professional moderator and other regular consumers like you. Typically, the group of respondents will have some shared characteristics. Examples include owners of the same type of vehicle, consumers of the same brand of orange juice, or people who have flown the same airline.


Who pays for the focus groups?
Typically, large corporations sponsor focus groups. They usually want to hear the general public or their current customers' opinions when developing or improving their products, services, and advertising. The comments, feedback and ideas expressed during the focus group are the property of the client. They will then be used to make decisions regarding the design and marketing of the product or service.


What do they want from me?
The sponsors simply want your candid, open feedback about the topics. Because the focus group has a limited number of respondents, we ask that everyone be an active participant. Focus groups are typically audio and/or video recorded for internal reporting purposes. Your comments or likeness will never be broadcast or used for advertising purposes.


What’s in it for me?
Aside from the cash stipend you will receive for your time and effort in the focus group, you can take pleasure in knowing that your input could help launch a successful new television program or help pharmacists better serve their customers. Further, you could meet some people who share your opinions and concerns and have a little bit of fun!


What’s expected of me?
When first signing up for our focus group database, it is expected that all of the information you give us about yourself is accurate and true. After you have qualified to sit in a focus group, Baltimore Research asks that you arrive on time, participate enthusiastically, and complete all exercises that are asked.


Why do you need to know all of my personal information?
The more information you tell us about yourself, the quicker we can find out if you may qualify for participation in one of our focus groups. Your background has a lot to do with buying decisions. Consequently, we ask questions about your background to help qualify you for a focus group. The criteria for participation vary from focus group to focus group. Sometimes product usage is paramount, while in others, household size is most important to the research.


Are they going to try to sell me anything in the focus group?
Absolutely not! In fact, it would be a major breach of industry ethics to do so. The only thing Baltimore Research and our clients want from you is your honest opinion. It is strictly an information gathering exercise for the clients.


Why can’t you tell me who is conducting the research and what the research is about?
As Baltimore Research promises to protect your sensitive information, we protect our clients' as well. If a well known beverage company wants to launch a new juice product, they may not want you to come to the focus group with preconceived ideas about the company or their new product. It is one way our clients can make sure that you (and other participants) are giving your unbiased opinions.


How do I know that you won’t sell my information to other companies?
While it is necessary to know as much about our participants as possible, Baltimore Research takes safeguarding that information very seriously. Industry standards in market research do not allow us to reveal any of our participants' personally identifiable information to anyone not involved in the research project. Our clients are prohibited from asking you for contact information or from contacting you independently from Baltimore Research. Baltimore Research pledges that your information will be used only for research purposes. If ever you feel uneasy about the information we ask from you, you are within your rights to decline disclosing that info to us.


Where did you get my phone number?
If you did not sign yourself up as a candidate for our focus groups, perhaps a family member or friend did. After our respondents participate in a focus group they are given a cash gift or honorarium for their time. Along with their stipend, they receive a form for friends or family members to fill out to also become participants. Also, you may subscribe to a service or organization that is conducting focus groups with their current customers. They may have provided Baltimore Research with your phone number to ask you to participate in the focus group. If you are not interested or would prefer not to be called again, simply tell us and we will remove you from our calling list.


I am on the National “Do Not Call” Registry. Why did you call me?
This registry does not apply to marketing & opinions research or focus group facilities. However, if you do not wish to be called again by Baltimore Research, simply tell the recruiter who calls you that you are not interested in participating in a focus group. You will be removed from our database with a note that you wish never to be called.


So, you’re basically telemarketers. right?
Emphatically, NO! Telemarketers are trying to sell you products and services. Occasionally, they will offer you services or even money to use their product. However there are often strings attached and obligations for you to meet. We simply want your opinion. You are not being paid for your thoughts, but rather reimbursed for your time. We understand that between work, school, family and friends, normal folks don't have a lot of free time. This is why our clients provide a cash stipend. We don't hold you to any agreement or contract with Baltimore Research or the companies we represent. All we ask is that you show up on time and answer our questions truthfully.


Why can’t my friends and family participate with me?
Typically, a focus group is comprised of respondents that are not related or known to one another. Since relatively few people participate, we want to represent as large a cross-section of the population as possible. Additionally, we want to prevent bias that can arise from the influence of personal relationships within the group. However, at any given time, we are working on dozens of projects. There are ample opportunities for the people you know to participate in different studies.


How can I find out more about qualitative research and focus groups?
To find out more about focus groups and qualitative research, The Qualitative Research Consultants Association or QRCA is your best bet. You can find answers to any questions involving focus groups and qualitative opinion research on their website: