Causal research

In order to investigate the impact of one variable against another, many brands and organisations look to causal research to accurately measure the possible effects of a range of cause and effect relationships. The main benefit to this form of consumer research is that it provides companies with a unique opportunity to ‘test the waters’ before fully launching into what may later prove to be costly and ineffectual organisational or strategic changes.

In FMCG for instance, a brand may wish to measure the likely impact of charging for carrier bags on their plastic packaging consumption, or perhaps against consumer sentiment. Alternatively, a clothing retailer may wish to investigate the possible effects on sales when choosing to sell underwear as separates, rather than in multipacks.

Whilst this form of prophetic research can prove to be a vital tool in successfully managing and adapting brand strategy, causal research may also involve the analysis of pre-existing data. Some of the most common causative influences regularly monitored and utilised by brands include the investigation into the effects of weather patterns on levels of consumer footfall, or perhaps, the average number of items per transaction against levels of consumer confidence. This form of research can be particularly helpful for operational planning. For instance, if the level of footfall for a retail park tends to rise dramatically during wet weather conditions, brands can ensure a full staff rota during these forecasted periods in order to cope with the extra levels of demand and maximise potential levels of revenue.

By quantifying the effects of variables, casual research in both forms allows companies to make accurate estimations of both natural business patterns and the results of strategic changes in order to aid both effective and successful operational planning and brand strategy.

Why partner with DJS Research?

We build small, director-led, teams of sector experts who are with you from brief to debrief. As an employee-owned company, every one of us is invested in delivering quality, value, and long-term impact.

From agile testing to deep-dive strategic studies, we design research to meet your specific objectives. The agility of our in-house operations team and strength of our UK-wide recruiter network enable seamless execution at scale.

Our sector-focused teams have decades of experience understanding audiences and the complexities of the markets in which our clients operate. Working collaboratively we deliver actionable insight which drives positive change.

Causal research

Causal research

Why partner with DJS Research?

We are small enough. We are big enough. We are DJS Research

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