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Focus & methodology

The right method. The right people. Better answers.

Seven research formats, one standard: the right people, on time, well briefed. From traditional focus groups to online sessions, we recruit to your exact criteria across Virginia and nationwide.

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Our methodologies

Recruiting and research for every format.

Each service below is something we do today, described in our own words.

Star City Research research method illustration

Focus group facilitation

We recruit respondents to participate in traditional conference-style focus groups to a more casual setting with living room style to bean bags for children. We have immeasurable experience in recruiting demographics from Adolescence to Millennials to GenX to Baby Boomers to Senior Citizens.

Star City Research research method illustration

Mock trial recruiting

Star City Research has a team experienced in mock trials regarding a wide variety of cases. We understand the importance and deliver an excellent demographic mix for every mock trial. We have experience with mock trials lasting from a short 2-hour session to a 7-day session in a Federal Courthouse.

Star City Research research method illustration

Digital online focus groups & music tests

Our team is experienced with online focus groups using QualBoard and other platforms, as well as the newest trend in Online Music Test. We are now familiar with Zoom and Microsoft Teams and will adapt to any platform necessary for your research. This method can be more friendly and easier to get folks together as well as save costs on facilities and AV demands.

Star City Research research method illustration

Off-site survey intercept research

We have been intercepting the public for over 25 years to complete surveys in many different industries. Examples are restaurants, airports, medical facilities, grocery stores, college campuses, movie theaters, truck stops and convenience stores. Our interceptors are flexible and willing to bounce from town to town for up to a week to meet your needs.

Star City Research research method illustration

IDIs, small groups & in-home studies

We have experience in recruiting smaller groups or individuals for any given topic. We are tactful and discreet in recruiting for topics that are of a delicate nature that delve into private situations or lifestyles.

Star City Research research method illustration

Usability research

Star City Research and our dedicated team have conducted hundreds of projects to help clients find out if the apps and sites they are building are user-friendly.

Star City Research research method illustration

Recruitment for mystery shops

These are always fun to get behind the scenes for our clients regarding their products and services. We have experience with financial institutions, car dealerships, retail & convenience stores and many more.

Our process

  1. Brief usTell us the audience, the format, the place, and the timing.
  2. We screen and recruitSeasoned recruiters fill your niche, even with the strictest criteria.
  3. Real-time profile gridsRespondent profile grids keep quality high and the project on schedule.
  4. Sessions run on timeQuality hosts handle everything on-site or off-site, with trusted AV partners.
  5. Replacements handledScheduling conflicts are replaced or rescheduled quickly for high show rates.
Topics of expertise

Subjects we know well.

No topic is off-limits. These are areas where our recruiting experience runs especially deep.

Cyber SecurityFood & BeveragePackage DesignRadio ListeningSpecific Voter DemographicsUtilities & Energy
Trusted by

Researchers. Brands. Decision makers.

Agencies, law firms, and brands have relied on our recruiting and facilities across Virginia and nationwide for more than fifty years.

See our clients
9th Seat logo
Access Roanoke logo
Aeffect, Inc. logo
Davies+McKerr London logo
Eastcoast Research logo

What clients say

I've had the pleasure of working with Jennifer and the Star City Research team on several projects and have always been impressed by the dedication they show to the work and their diligence in ensuring my clients' needs are always met. I most appreciate their candidness and their ability to approach challenging or unusual recruitment projects creatively.
Rachel Spencer
Rachel Spencer
Jennifer Powell was such a pleasure to work with, and I am so happy I found her when I needed a focus group recruit. She asked me many detailed questions to ensure she understood our recruiting needs which resulted in a perfect recruit. Not only this, but she has a great personality to go with her competence and professionalism. I could not recommend her enough and wish all qualitative managers were as friendly. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Alison LanierBusiness Manager, Responsive Management
Alison Lanier
You and your team are always on top of it, and we also appreciate your honesty. We really value your work. When you use Star City Research, you know you will always get the quality, due diligence and professionalism from the team. Their communication is excellent, always keeping us updated, and we look forward to continued successful and smooth running projects together.
Jana9th Seat
Jana
Star City Research did a fantastic job recruiting a hard to reach, younger consumer target audience for us in a very short time frame! All of the Star City team members were highly responsive to our requests and were effective communicators. We received high show rates and Star City was quick to replace or reschedule respondents if they had a scheduling conflict. I especially enjoyed receiving "real-time" respondent profile grids to maintain high quality recruitment and to keep the project on schedule. I would highly recommend Star City Research team.
Frank DeMonteDirector, Aeffect, Inc.
Frank DeMonte
Jennifer and I have worked on many projects together in the past. They have incredible show rates, great respondents and a solid, professional team. They know what they are doing, and I trust them every time with a project. If Jennifer says they can accomplish the project – they will! You are in good hands.
Brooks AndersonOperations Manager
Brooks Anderson
Star City Research recruited a group for me recently. There were several terminates and a complex screener. We found out a few days before research that the streets in front of the facility (which we procured on our own) were closed from early morning till mid afternoon for a parade. Jennifer and her crew jumped right in, alerting the respondents of the street closure and suggesting they arrive a bit earlier to secure parking. We had almost a 100% show rate. She also provided us with the name of her AV guy, who did a great job and was great to work with. I highly recommend them, they are great people and easy to work with.
Jean HoffmanNational Jury Project–Midwest
Jean Hoffman
We've worked with Jennifer for over 6 years. She and her team have been integral to our work throughout Virginia. We've conducted focus groups with her support all over the state with a variety of audiences – from voters, to low-income Medicaid beneficiaries, to uninsured adults. She and her team are excellent communicators and our participants have always been stellar.
Naomi Mulligan KolbManaging Director / Senior VP, Perry Undem Research
Naomi Mulligan Kolb
The guys at Star City Research were brilliant from start to finish. The project involved a challenging recruit within a relatively short time frame, with an obscure audience that was particularly hard to reach. They kept us informed throughout with updates and went above and beyond to provide additional information on respondents to ensure they were bang on spec! Jen, Sherry and Nancy were always on hand to help things run smoothly and the in-house facility Roanoke was perfectly suited for running groups in a creative, relaxed environment. Cheers, Sion
Sion PayneAssociate Director, Davies+McKerr, London UK
Sion Payne
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