Quantitative

Quantitative research aims to provide data in the form of figures, in response to a research need or question.

Quantitative research and waste management

At Resource Futures, we understand that to justify budgetary spend and definitively prove the effects of, for example, an alteration or addition to a recycling service, or the outcomes of a promotional campaign, quantitative data is vital in backing up qualitative data.

Quantitative research can be used to gain data and insights in the following key areas:

• the effectiveness and efficiency of a population in using the local waste and recycling services
• the public’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviour with regard to waste and recycling
• defining and focusing upon specific groups (such as hard to reach groups or non-recyclers) to assess their barriers or specific issues
• understanding why recycling infrastructure may not be fulfilling its’ potential
• reviewing the effects of a promotional campaign and providing a tool for informing future communications.

How we can help you

At Resource Futures, we regularly carry out quantitative research projects for clients such as local authorities or community groups to help identify, understand and make recommendations to overcome waste management issues in their areas. We also carry out quantitative research projects specifically designed to integrate with other research methods.

Wide range of methodologies

To achieve a broad picture and provide accurate results, we regularly design and integrate a broad range of methodologies in our quantitative research, such as:

• large-scale postal questionnaires
• telephone polls
• door-to-door surveys and questionnaires
• on-street surveys and questionnaires
• e-surveys
• interpretation of findings in conjunction with other data such as tonnage, contamination and participation rate data, waste analysis, waste arisings modelling, participation monitoring and contamination monitoring.

Analysis, conclusions and recommendations

Once research is complete our research consultants undertake full data verification and oversee collation and input. They then analyse, cross reference, interpret and present the findings and conclusions into a full report, including recommendations for alterations and improvements for the future. Our consultants can also be called upon to undertake presentations to key audiences if required.

Up-to-date technology

At Resource Futures, we employ the latest hand-held data collection technology to ensure accurate data entry and client ready data.

Local focus

We believe in the value of providing local employment and using local knowledge and as such we don’t necessarily have central data collection teams, moving from place to place as work arises. Instead, we recruit, train and run our data collection teams locally, providing a local co-ordinator (wherever possible) or work with local data collection agencies, to be the linchpin between the data collection teams, ourselves and our clients and project partners.

To find out more about our quantitative research services – please contact us.