In this Conversations episode, we tackle a familiar challenge in market research: delivering strong work—only to see it go unused.

Why do well-designed studies and thoughtful analyses still fall flat with stakeholders? Often, it's not a data problem. It's a communication problem. Specifically, a utilization gap between what research shows and how decision-makers absorb and apply it.

We explore how visual storytelling helps close that gap by anchoring research reports in a clear narrative. This isn't about flashy charts or graphic design. It's about combining credible proof points with visuals that guide understanding, build trust, and make findings actionable.

Drawing on principles we teach in our market research training, the episode breaks down:

• Why narrative clarity matters as much as methodological rigor
• The seven elements that support an effective research story
• How brevity strengthens impact—especially for busy stakeholders
• A simple point-of-view sentence that helps market research professionals focus their reports

Whether you work in qualitative research, quantitative research, or broader Customer Insights roles, this conversation offers practical guidance for improving how research findings land—and get used.

Conversations for Research Rockstars is produced by Research Rockstar Training & Staffing. Our 25+ Market Research eLearning classes are offered on-demand and include options to earn Insights Association Certificates. Our Rent-a-Researcher staffing service places qualified, fully-vetted market research experts, covering temporary needs due to project and resource fluctuations.

We believe it: Inside every market researcher, is a Research Rockstar!

Hope you enjoy this episode of Conversations for Research Rockstars.

Research Rockstar | Visual Storytelling Course | Blog

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Many market research, UX, and CX teams now use AI for brainstorming, writing, and various research tasks. But it's not always easy, especially when using AI to help researchers craft surveys and discussion guides. The recurring issue isn't effort—it's uneven quality from ad hoc prompting.

In "Prompt Engineering for Researchers," host Kathryn Korostoff demonstrates two structured approaches that keep rigor intact while reducing rework. First, Prompt Chaining: design the deliverable step by step—structure before content—using short review loops to tune timing, probes, and flow.

Second, Reflexion (with an "X"): asking the AI to critique its own draft for bias, confusion, or sequencing and to document changes. Example: "Review this guide and revise any questions that may be leading, biased, or confusing. Then list the changes you made and why you made them." And it will!

Check out this episode for examples of using effective AI prompting for qualitative and quantitative researchers.

#MarketResearch #QualitativeResearch #UXResearch #CXResearch #SurveyDesign #AIforResearch

Conversations for Research Rockstars is produced by Research Rockstar Training & Staffing. Our 25+ Market Research eLearning classes are offered on demand and include options to earn Insights Association Certificates. Our Rent-a-Researcher staffing service places qualified, fully vetted market research experts, covering temporary needs due to project and resource fluctuations.

We believe it: Inside every market researcher is a Research Rockstar!

Hope you enjoy this episode of Conversations for Research Rockstars.

Research Rockstar | Facebook | LinkedIn | 877-Rocks10 ext 703 for Support, 701 for Sales Info@ResearchRockstar.com

As we plan for 2026, many CX, UX, and Market Research teams are focused on anticipating project volume, evolving method mixes, AI-enabled workflows, and resource allocation. But regulatory policy deserves attention too—with changes coming that could directly shape how we run qualitative and quantitative projects.

In this episode of Conversations for Research Rockstars, Kathryn Korostoff interviewed Howard Fienberg, Senior VP Advocacy at the Insights Association, about two regulatory shifts that could impact researchers. Kathryn and Howard also discuss how these regulations could create meaningful cost savings and workflow improvements for researchers in both qual and quant settings.

Conversations for Research Rockstars is produced by Research Rockstar Training & Staffing. Our 25+ Market Research eLearning classes are offered on demand and include options to earn Insights Association Certificates. Our Rent-a-Researcher staffing service places qualified, fully vetted market research experts, covering temporary needs due to project and resource fluctuations.

We believe it: Inside every market researcher is a Research Rockstar!

Hope you enjoy this episode of Conversations for Research Rockstars. http://www.researchrockstar.com/

Facebook | LinkedIn | 877-Rocks10 ext 703 for Support, 701 for Sales Info@ResearchRockstar.com