Qualitative research is a powerful tool which plays a part in conducting marketing research into customer value analysis, branding and naming, new product launch, customer satisfaction and market segmentation, among other marketing areas. Its techniques include all types of focus groups, in depth one-one-one interviews, intercept studies and observational research. Because of its importance in determining buyer attitudes and beliefs it has been growing exponentially.

Sheila Keegan, psychologist and market research practitioner, outlines the history of qualitative research, its purpose...