Recent articles from the AQR Library
Stop villainising peopleThe 2012 Paralympics placed positive images of those with disabilities in the media, but what's happened since?
Making digital fit for purposeAccessibility is a subject that Government takes very seriously. Hardly surprising, since it affects roughly one in five of the population. But what exactly does this mean in practice?
Let's cut water at kitchen sinkBlue Marble's entry to AQR's 2021 Qualitative Excellence Award gained a "highly commended", revealing how video technology can be used to research household water usage.
Planning for the futureMost of those reading this article won't have been prevented from gaining an education, a job, or leaving home, because of a disability, but can research make a difference?
Energising world of insightIf the qualitative research industry is feeling a bit flat, then maybe it's time to look outside its borders for ways to revitalise it. Liz Norman offers a few suggested routes.
Energy, Circardian Rhythms and Self TalkCan tuning in to our circadian rhythm help us maintain high energy levels? It might, aligned with a bit of self talk.
Slàinte! The challenge of launching a young, premium, Scottish whiskyThe 2021 winner of the AQR Qualitative Excellence Award, Claire Boorman of Boxclever, together with William Dobbie of R&B Distillers, showed how the Isle of Raasay distillers challenged category convention to launch a young, premium, Scottish whisky.
Qual and a higher callingLet's not forget that vocations can be extraordinary too, not least that of Fiona Jack. Tuesday to Thursday she's a quallie, but Friday, Sunday and Monday she'll be working as a curate.
(Extra)ordinary peopleInterconnectedness is on the rise: we hear from ordinary people in extraordinary situations more often, but we still need to champion superdiversity in research globally.
Mindset around obesityThere's an extraordinary shared narrative that we choose to ignore. It concerns obesity, as highlighted by the case study in AQR's Qualitative Excellence Award shortlist.
Extraordinary adventures of qualSpace: the final frontier. The year: 2367. We are on board the Starship Enterprise on its continuing mission to explore strange new worlds and civilisations. What are we doing here?
Sustainability is a team sportThe qualitative research industry, like many others, is grappling with how to be more sustainable and finds that a good place to start is with the people we work with.
Creativity will be the keyAs qualitative researchers our work revolves around questions and answers but sustainability is the big one, requiring change on a multitude of levels.
The Comfort ConundrumIn this case study, Stephanie Holland reveals how qual research re-envisioned what soothing means for mothers.
Winning support for taxing wealthThe third case study from the 2020 AQR Qualitative Excellence Award finalists reveals how public attitudes towards tax, wealth and public services have been shaped by the pandemic.
Exploring listener needsHook Research's entry to the 2020 AQR Qualitative Excellence Award was highly commended by judges. Sam Harris reveals how it helped BBC Radio navigate the UK's music landscape.
Ad trends in a lockdownWe tend to take advertising for granted, but the pandemic has made it challenging, both practically and creatively, to keep it going. Jon Evans offers insights on how it's been achieved.
Fancy being a novelist?It may be stretching a point to say that our industry attracts more than its fair share of creatives, but Kirsten Hesketh explains how it can hone writing and communication skills.
Safety net of routinesHas lockdown stifled or encouraged creativity? Janet Weight- Reed, a working artist for nearly 50 years, says the answer lies in the attitude we bring to each day, lockdown or not.
Thinking inside the boxLife has been rather boring of late, but take heart: brands have been devising new formats to treat us.
Getting rid of tokenismThere is no magic formula for brands wishing to improve their diversity and inclusivity, small wonder because it would change constantly, but there is a definite thirst for change.
Lurpak: Feeding the imaginationBread and butter, what could be nicer? Or more boring for advertising! Lurpak realised this years ago and instead championed the cause of great home cooking in its award-winning global advertising.
Future GazingIt's that billion-dollar question: what will the research agency of the future look like? More importantly, what business models will serve the qualitative industry best?
Putting inclusivity at MR's heartColour of Research (CORe), a global community promoting diversity in research, is flying high. In Brief talks to co-founder Theo Francis about its evolution. So why isn't BAME helpful? Are carrots always better than sticks?
When digital isn't the answerColoured pens and sticky notes triumph in the digital age. For Brackenhurst College, keen to attract teens to its vocational courses, it reignited engagement.
Positives from negativesJane Sharp charts how an issue that has been debated for years, that of remote consultation and online technology which enables doctor-patient contact, has suddenly turned into reality. What lessons can the qualitative research industry learn from this?
We're all progressives now?AQR members did well at the MRS Conference this year, not least Peter Totman who, though his presentation didn't unleash the torrent of questions he expected, was put forward for best paper.
Fieldwork FlashbackIn the 1980s, our only means of communication for qualitative recruitment was a dial-phone attached to a landline. Everything was typed as most companies had their own printing department (normally in a dingy basement).
Every day is differentThis AQR Qualitative Excellence Award 2019 finalist's case study, from The Nursery's Lucy Banister, reveals how qualitative research helped people care about social care.
The future is factualThe winner of the AQR Qualitative Excellence Award 2019 reveals how creative insightful qualitative research can lead to a greater appreciation of what motivates your audience.
Celebrating 40 years of AQRCome 2020, AQR celebrates its fortieth anniversary. To mark the occasion Roddy Glen and his helpful band of contributors chart the Association's development from its humble beginnings to its status as a professional and energetic body today.
Language of banking rebelsFinTechs, or digital-only banks, are redefining the rules of customer service. So are traditional banks lagging behind or are they taking a leaf out of these newcomers' books?
Case of ethics versus easePeople talk about making more ethical decisions when out shopping but often fail to follow through. Here are a few tips for brands wondering to offer them a carrot or a stick.
The mind games of M&AsIn an era of uncertainty, it can be helpful to know just how agency mergers and buy outs are shaping our industry and what you, as an individual, can do to survive or thrive.
Start with strengthIt's all too easy, when trying to solve a problem, to focus on the negatives rather than positives. Here, our author argues that we are ignoring an important agent for change.
Power of difference"You've packed a lot into one arm, haven't you? My life would only cover the top half"