Angus Reid is one of the more well-known research companies in Canada. Results from their surveys are often quoted on the nightly news, especially regarding the “pulse” of Canada and how Canadians feel about the economy and political parties. As a member of their online survey panel, the Angus Reid Forum, panelists can access any of these results when they sign on to the website.

Actual Angus Reid Survey Result

Here is an example of an Angus Reid survey asking Canadians their opinion on the Federal Budget:

http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/44492/canadians-split-on-whether-federal-budget-will-be-good-for-the-country/

The review of this survey begins with a general statement, which states “While several budget initiatives are welcomed by Canadians, the decision to raise the eligibility age for Old Age Security remains contentious.” It follows with a summary of the results – that Canadians have mixed reviews on the federal government’s latest budget although few feel the budget will affect them positively on a personal basis.

Survey Results Explained

In this example, the results from panelists across the country are mostly presented as a whole, with the exception of some specific answers from Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada. In some cases the results are also divided into age groups and sex.

This report shows that 41% of Canadians believe the federal budget will have a negative impact on their province, then breaks it down further to showing the percentage of Canadians who answered this way from Ontario (39%), Quebec (45%) and Atlantic Canada (37%). It goes on to say that personally, Canadians from these areas are more pessimistic than respondents in the West.

The second part of the review shows results of budget initiatives. They review three ideas that at least two-thirds of Canadians agree on, including regulations for charities, increasing the amount of goods Canadians can bring home after traveling tax and duty free as well as ceasing production of the penny.

A majority of Canadians favoured cutting government program spending (61%), and 51% would like to see the CBC’s budge cut by 10 per cent. Changes to Old Age Security were the most contentious and the results posted in their article discuss reactions based on age, sex and location in Canada.

For those interested in further details, Angus Reid supplies a link to the full report: http://www.angus-reid.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2012.04.05_Budget_CAN.pdf

How Survey Results Are Used

As many panelists know, there are a variety of companies and businesses that conduct surveys to improve their products. But what results come about from political surveys and polls?

Having a company such as Angus Reid conduct the polls instead of various political parties ensures unbiased opinions and feedback. Other residents in Canada feel as if they are getting the whole story as Angus Reid is seen as a neutral party that polls Canadians from across the country. Government officials get the same benefits, and see at a glance how their policies are being received across the country.

Seeing the results broken down by age or location also helps those in power know where they can make a better impact in specific communities by implementing new programs or policies.

To be a part of this influential group of Canadians sign up with Angus Reid today! Besides seeing the results of surveys completed online, panelists also receive rewards for the time and effort they provide.

If you buy groceries for your household, join the new Canada Grocery Shoppers Panel. Voice your opinions on things that matter to you most.

Many of you ask us if we know of any in home product tests that you can take part in. Although we were able to provide some guidance in this area, we’ve done our research and have discovered new product testing oportunities availble for Canadians!

Why are you recommendating survey companies?
This is a common question. Because market research companies typically first conduct online surveys on behalf of a client looking to conduct a product test, these same companies are the ones who eventually administer the product test themselves. An online survey is conducted regarding the new (or existing) product, and from this typically a small group of individuals are selected to complete a product test and provide their direct feedback on the product.

How can I find out more information?
You can find out all you need to know about becoming a product tester by reading our updated Product Testing article.

Just tell me who offers product testing!
Sure thing. The following market research companies offer product testing opportunities:

• Toluna Canada
• My Survey
• Opinion Outpost
• Mindfield

We’ve found a great online survey opportunity for Canadians to join that will be very new to most of you!

By joining the Kellogg’s Connections Panel, you can look forward to:

• Participating in short online surveys about a variety of topics
• Expressing your opinions and having them heard
• Having the opportunity to win great prizes on an ongoing basis

Eligibility: Canadians who have reached the age of majority in their residing province.

Many survey takers don’t realize the importance of filling out profilers. What are profilers? They are the questionnaires available in your account with a survey company. They ask questions like, what is your education? What type of employment do you have?

Why Profilers are Important – What many people don’t realize is that when these profilers are left blank in a survey takers account, the survey taker may qualify for less online surveys. Why? When a study becomes available, often the survey company scans these profilers and sends the survey to the people who qualify for the survey, based on the information they’ve provided in their profile. If you haven’t completed this information, you won’t qualify to receive these surveys.

Read more about the Importance of Filling Out Survey Profilers.

The April 30th tax deadline is looming on the horizon and you might have questions about what Revenue Canada thinks about online survey taking. Do any taxes have to be paid? If so, how much?

These questions and more are answered in our new article, Do Canadians have to pay taxes on online surveys income? Click the link to find out!

What is market research and what exactly does it entail? Although taking online surveys is fun, do you know how the answers you provide to questionnaires are used? Many survey takers might not even realize how important the answers they provide when taking surveys can be. Major company decisions such as product names, product launches, allocation of funds to customer service departments, etc. can all be swayed by the opinions you provide.

Read more with our new Paid Market Research article.

Make your province proud, and voice your opinions on issues that relate to you!

Stay at home moms, working moms, single moms, all Canadian moms can enjoy the benefits of participating online surveys. Take surveys whenever you have some spare time – in between meetings at work, at home on your laptop when baby sleeps or at 4 am when most others are sleeping too! It’s all up to you. There are are different reward types for taking surveys; get compensated for your time with cash, gift certificates, great contest entries, points like AirMiles, and more! Find how how your privacy is protected and how you or someone you know can get started with paid surveys.

Read more in our Surveys for Moms article.