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Over recruit Definition

The extra people who are recruited for a focus group to compensate for the inevitable no-shows.

Over recruitment refers to the practice of inviting or recruiting more participants than required for a research study to account for potential no-shows, dropouts or disqualifications. It ensures the study meets its target sample size.

Who relies on over recruitment in the marketing research industry?

Market researchers, survey administrators, moderators and focus group facilitators rely on over recruitment to ensure they have enough participants for qualitative or quantitative studies, even when some individuals fail to participate.

What are key aspects of over recruitment in market research?  

Key aspects include:

• Compensation plans: Ensures all recruited participants are compensated fairly, including those who might not participate.
• Buffer participants: Allows for potential attrition or disqualification during screening.
• Target quota: Focused on meeting the desired sample size or demographic representation.
• Cost management: Balances additional recruitment costs with the need for a complete dataset.
• Ethical considerations: Maintains transparency with participants about the recruitment process.

Why is over recruitment important in market research?

Over recruitment is important because it ensures that the study reaches its target sample size, minimizing the risk of insufficient data due to no-shows or dropouts. This practice enhances the reliability and validity of the research findings.

How do market researchers use over recruitment?

Market researchers use over recruitment by inviting extra participants for focus groups, interviews or surveys, ensuring that enough qualified individuals participate to achieve the study’s objectives. For example, if a focus group needs 10 participants, they might recruit 12 to account for last-minute cancellations. This approach prevents delays and ensures the integrity of the data collection process.