Qualitative Market Research That Reveals the “Why” Behind Decisions

Qualitative market research helps uncover how people think, feel, and behave, and why. At Schmidt Market Research, qualitative research is a core capability supported by experienced moderators, flexible methodologies, and end-to-end execution. We conduct in-person, virtual, telephone, and online qualitative research to explore attitudes, perceptions, motivations, and decision-making. Our team designs each study to fit the business question, participant type, and research context. From early exploration to feedback and validation, our qualitative approach delivers structured, actionable understanding across the product and customer lifecycle.

What Qualitative Market Research Helps you Understand

Qualitative research is especially effective for:

  • Exploring new or unfamiliar ideas and concepts

  • Understanding complex decision processes and relationships

  • Uncovering attitudes, perceptions, and emotional drivers

  • Addressing sensitive topics

  • Adding context and meaning to quantitative findings

What you gain through qualitative research:

What you Gain from Qual
methodologies

Full Range of Qualitative Methodologies

Schmidt offers a full range of qualitative methodologies and selects the right method based on the business challenge, not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution.

Our qualitative methods include:
  • In‑depth interviews
  • Focus groups
  • Discussion boards, diaries, and journals
  • Observational research and UX studies
  • Mystery shopping
  • Ideation sessions
  • Integrated qualitative and quantitative engagements
Research can be conducted:
  • In‑person
  • Telephone
  • Virtual (camera‑based)
  • Online (written, asynchronous)

Experienced Qualitative Moderators

The quality of qualitative research depends on the people leading it.

Schmidt’s qualitative studies are led by our team of experienced moderators who are:

  • RIVA or Burke-trained
  • Proficient across all qualitative methodologies
  • Skilled in virtual, online, in-person, and telephone research
  • Experienced working with participants ranging from C‑suite executives to consumers, teens, and specialized audiences
  • Able to provide continuity across multi‑phase quantitative and qualitative programs
We also partner with moderators who specialize in diverse audiences and cultural contexts when needed.
Industry informed insight

Qualitative Expertise Across Key Industries

Our qualitative team brings deep experience across complex categories, including:

  • Financial services
  • Health care
  • Retail, hospitality, and entertainment
  • B2B markets
  • Power, energy, and utilities
This industry knowledge allows us to probe intelligently, interpret accurately, and deliver insight that resonates with stakeholders.
Recruitment

End‑to‑End Qualitative Recruiting Services

Strong qualitative insight starts with the right participants.

We provide full-service recruiting and study support, including:

  • Collaborative screener development
  • Telephone rescreening and articulation
  • Regional recruiting via the Pittsburgh Speaks proprietary panel
  • National B2B and B2C recruiting partners
  • Recruiting from proprietary client lists
In-Person Research Facility

In-Person Qualitative Research Facility

Schmidt operates a fully supported qualitative research facility in Pittsburgh’s North Hills.

Facility highlights include:
  • Dedicated focus group and interview rooms
  • Separate participant waiting areas
  • Observation suites with live-streaming capabilities
  • Multiple viewing modes that go beyond the traditional one‑way mirror
  • Flexible room configurations for groups, workshops, and interviews
  • On‑site amenities, technology, and support staff
Our observation technology provides enhanced viewing of participant interactions, body language, and in‑session materials.
Technology

Technology That Enhances Insight

Our technology is designed to improve the observation experience and extend access beyond the room.

Technology capabilities include:
  • Live streaming for in‑person sessions
  • Multiple viewing angles for enhanced observation
  • Close‑up views of speakers alongside full‑room perspectives
  • Screen sharing during interviews and UX sessions
  • Session recording with instant access to video and transcripts

AI is a tool, not a replacement, for experienced researchers.
Schmidt uses AI selectively and follows clear guiding principles:

  • Transparency and client consent
  • Quality assurance and trained staff
  • Data privacy and security standards consistent with all Schmidt operations
Our people remain the true value‑add.

Why Work With Schmidt Market Research

Clients partner with Schmidt Market Research for:
  • Experienced qualitative leadership: Trained moderators and researchers with experience across industries, methods, and participant types.

  • Flexible qualitative approaches: In-person, virtual, telephone, and online methods designed around the research objective.

  • Integrated recruiting and execution: End-to-end recruiting, hosting, observation, and incentive management in one place.

  • Continuity across research phases: Alignment across qualitative and quantitative work, including multi-phase studies.

  • A purpose-built research facility: Access to our in-person research facility and supporting technology, backed by experienced researchers who lead interpretation and insight.

Have a decision to make? Talk with a qualitative expert about your business decision.

Jennifer DiGiacomo, Qualitative Team Lead | Schmidt Market Research

Contact our Qualitative Team Lead to learn more:

Jennifer DiGiacomo 
Qualitative Team Lead
JDiGiacomo@schmidtmr.com

Or submit a request for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Qualitative Market Research

Qualitative market research is best used when organizations need to understand motivations, perceptions, behaviors, or emotional drivers behind decision‑making. It is particularly effective for exploring new ideas, complex processes, and situations where context, nuance, and human interaction matter.

Yes. Schmidt Market Research supports in‑person, virtual, telephone, and online qualitative methodologies. This flexibility allows each study to be designed around the business decision, audience, and environment, rather than a single research format.

Yes. Schmidt regularly designs integrated quantitative and qualitative engagements. This approach allows qualitative insight to add context and meaning to quantitative findings, supporting stronger validation and more confident business decisions.

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