Association Collaborative Effort releases Online Research Definitions.

Research industry associations that joined together in the fall of 2008 to address online panel research quality under the Association Collaborative Effort (“ACE”) have announced their first collaborative development: a comprehensive set of terms and definitions for online research. With the aim of increasing online data quality, understanding of online research, and transparency of online research operations, these “association-powered” terms and definitions provide a common baseline for all industry participants and will promote online panel research quality efforts.

The ACE industry-accepted online research terms and definitions can be accessed through all ACE member association websites and is also available via wiki at http://www.aceinfo.org/>. ACE is encouraging online research suppliers and buyers to provide continuous input to the terms and definitions through the wiki to promote a growing base of knowledge about online research. Input will be reviewed quarterly by ACE and their team of experts who will update the terms and definitions.

Anne Hedde Chairperson of ACE and President, Ipsos ASI Global, commented, “This is the first time that the industry associations have worked collaboratively to bring their valuable, specialized knowledge and expertise together to jointly promote improvements in the industry. Online research has been plagued by a lack of common understanding of terms. Clarifying and agreeing to one set of definitions is a foundational development that the entire industry can build on.” Added Patrick Glaser, Director of Research Standards at the MRA and developer of the ACE wiki, “The dynamic properties of wiki technology will promote continuous sharing of knowledge and expertise as online research continues to develop and evolve.”