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Net incidence Definition

The number of respondents who actually participate in a research study.

Net incidence in market research refers to the proportion of a target population that meets specific criteria or qualifies for a study. It is calculated as a percentage and indicates how many people within a sample possess the desired characteristics, such as a certain behaviors, attitudes or demographics. This measure helps determine the feasibility and expected success rate of reaching a target audience in a study.

Who relies on net incidence?

Market researchers, survey designers, sampling specialists and project managers rely on net incidence to plan and execute studies efficiently. It is crucial for companies conducting research on specific audience segments, as it informs recruitment and sampling strategies.

What are key aspects of net incidence in market research?

Key aspects include:

• Qualification rate: Reflects the percentage of respondents who meet study criteria.
• Sample feasibility: Determines if the sample pool is large enough to meet research objectives.
• Recruitment planning: Affects the number of participants to be screened to achieve the desired sample size.
• Cost implications: Higher net incidence can reduce recruitment costs, while lower incidence may increase them.
• Benchmarking: Used to assess and compare incidence rates across studies or target groups.

Why is net incidence important in market research?

Net incidence is important because it helps researchers gauge the difficulty and cost of reaching a specific audience. Understanding incidence rates allows for more accurate budgeting, sample size planning and recruitment strategies, ensuring that studies are both feasible and cost-effective. It also aids in setting realistic timelines for project completion.

How do market researchers use net incidence?

Market researchers use net incidence to calculate the number of respondents needed to screen to achieve a required sample size. By understanding incidence rates, they can allocate resources effectively, optimize recruitment efforts, and estimate project costs and timelines. Net incidence data also guides decisions on study design, including whether to adjust criteria or expand sampling if incidence is too low.