Map software
Visual display of crosstabs is now possible on the personal computer using PASS Correspondence Analysis published by Research Services. This easy-to-use software transforms a crosstab table into a map so that a reader can grasp the significance of the table at a glance. Among many uses, it can construct product positioning maps from ratings data. This package also includes a comprehensive documentation which explains how to interpret the maps.
Health foods study
Packaged Facts announces "The Health & Natural Foods Market," a new study on the health and natural foods market. The study covers the overall market, the marketers, distribution and retail and consumer usage. It also discusses new products trends and the competitive situation and includes retail data and examples of both print and TV advertising. Contact Edward Weiss, Packaged Facts Inc., 274 Madison Ave., New York NY 10016. (212) 532-5533.
Data entry program
DigiData announces DigiData Entry System, a computer software program designed to speed up and simplify the process of transferring information from questionnaires to a computer-readable disk file for analysis. The program uses a digitizing tablet, a computer device normally used in electronic computer-aided design (CAD) and by computer artists. Multiple page forms can be handled by the system and forms as large as 11 by 17 in. can be placed on the digitizer. Information can be entered in any order on a page and blank answers can be skipped. The program writes a standard ASCII file which can be used by many popular statistical programs for analysis. Each line in the data file represents the information from one questionnaire. A listing can be pre-pared which shows what information each column in the data file represents. Contact John Chidester, DigiData, 9637 East Gold Ave., Suite 401, Scottsdale AZ 85258. (602) 391-0552.
Dessert report
MRCA Information Services an-nounces a new Special Topic Report called "Sweet Goods and Dessert." On a per capita basis, the total number of at-home meals which include any "dessert" has dropped by 13% since 1978 and dessert consumption of baked sweets has fallen by 19%. In spite of this lessening tendency to serve dessert at home, Americans' consumption of desserts in restaurants has increased 18%. Contact David Fencl, MRCA at (312) 480-9600 or Patrice Kozlowski, Stuart Pearlman and Co., 4 Landmark Sq., Stamford CT 06901. (212) 370-4940.
Trade-off analysis firm
Harris K. Goldstein announces the opening of Trade-Off Research Services, Inc. Trade-off analysis, or conjoint measurement, is claimed to be an increasingly popular form of in-vestigative market research. It tells how the public will react to any new or revised product or service by employing computer interactive software to determine buyer preference. Through simulation and modeling, Goldstein can forecast what people are willing to give up, or trade-off, to get a product or service. Contact Harris K. Goldstein, Trade-Off Research Services, Inc., 11365 Ventura Blvd., Suite 123, Studio City CA 91604. (818)508-6345.
Inpatient publication
The Commission on Professional & Hospital Activities (CPHA) has pub-lished the "National Inpatient Profile," a publication for hospital market analysis and product planning. The publication can be used to forecast market demand, chart historical trends, establish bases for validating other sources and comparing estimates, strengthen product planning with demographic and clinical profiles, and to supplement existing sales data. CPHA research consultants will also be available to interpret study information and to offer advice on how to use CPHA data bases to supplement the information obtained through the "National Inpatient Profile." Contact CPHA Publication Services, 1968 Green Rd., P.O. Box 1809, Ann Arbor Ml 48106. (1-800) 521-6210, ext. 3444.