Measuring Media Usage Behavior

Measuring Media Usage Behavior

Improving the Quality of Measurement to Increase the Accuracy of Data Reports and Forecasts on How Consumers Use Media

New digital media technologies and changes in the media landscape are impacting the media use of most Americans.  Some of these changes cannot yet be measured accurately, and ARF members point out that the trade press and general media often report data that are at odds with well-documented research insights on media use. Typically, these erroneous reports (especially in their headlines) highlight changes and “surprising” trends that are often contradicted by validated data.

Members have asked that the ARF play a role in providing better information on these issues since accurate information on media use is essential for creating successful media plans, strategies on reaching consumers across platforms, and many other business decisions. The ARF’s research quality projects have demonstrated that poor research quality almost always affects the accuracy of data and, thereby, the quality of business decisions. This project specifically focuses on the need for quality data in the field of media use measures and will provide best practice insights to facilitate better measurement and reporting.   

In sum, this project has been requested by ARF members because of the fast pace of media technology development and adoption; the increased complexity and segmentation of media behavior; and the resulting need for accurate data to understand today’s use patterns and forecast future trends.

The project will focus three data sets:

  1. Media Technology Ownership,
  2. Use and Users of Media and Media Technologies, and
  3. Amount of Use/Exposure.

The project will explore these key issues:

  • What do we know with reasonable validity and reliability about media use today?
  • What information is questionable or unknown and what are the methodological reasons for these shortcomings?
  • And most importantly: How can we improve measurement and reporting of media use data?

Timeline:

  • Review of reports on media usage, data collection methods, data quality issues: Winter/Spring 2012
  • Consultations with measurement experts: Winter/Spring 2012
  • Presentations on media measurement and insights on changes in media use: AM7 conference in June 2012 
  • White Paper summary of project: June 2012


We welcome your feedback on this project. Please contact Horst Stipp, EVP, Global Business Strategy to learn more about how you can get involved!

 

 

Get Involved

Click below to:

  • Suggest a Research Topic
  • Sponsor a Project
  • Find out more!