Research: A New Perspective

My home phone rings. It’s 7:30 PM; the number is not familiar. Yet, even without extra-sensory perception, I know who it is. You see, I’m an American, registered voter during a presidential election year. The caller is some poor soul hired to conduct surveys. Most of the time, I would probably say, “Sorry, I don’t have time” and quickly hang up. This year, I am in a class focusing on the research process and have an empathetic side previously untapped. So last night, when the phone rang and the caller (sounding to be just of voting age herself) asked for my feedback, in what she assured me was a 40 second survey, I acquiesced.
Likewise, I recently received an email from a company I frequently purchase items from asking if I’d like to be part of research study on a new product. I had to promise to keep the new product secret, try it out several times, and provide written feedback (that will remain anonymous) that would take at least 15 minutes to complete. I agreed and hoped I would be picked as my curiosity was definitely piqued! I was potentially on the cutting edge of something big; plus, I was tempted by the free items that I would receive when I completed the research.
A week later, I found out I was selected when I had the new product in my mailbox. While I am ethically bound to keep the product confidential, I can tell you I have already started my “research.” There appears to be some visual improvement with the product, but I am more about practical usage. In that regard, the product is not delivering as I had expected based on the description provided by the company. I still plan to “run the paces” with the product until such time as the end survey arrives. Perhaps, I need to give the product more time. Perhaps, this experience will make me a more sympathetic and empathetic researcher.
And oh, by the way, the survey caller was true to her word…40 seconds and I was back to doing dishes!