COVID-19 Research Study Grabs Attention from Local Los Angeles News Media

https://ktla.com/news/coronavirus/how-you-can-be-part-of-a-covid-19-research-study/

When a groundbreaking research study designed to measure the spread of COVID-19 launched in Los Angeles, CA the week of April 10, 2020, it didn’t take long for the local news media to take an interest.

Jacqueline Rosales, COO of SoapBoxSample/icanmakeitbetter, appeared on KTLA’s nightly 7 pm news broadcast, explaining to the public the intention of the study and how Angelenos can get involved.

“This is really groundbreaking research, to give us one piece that we are missing,” Jacqueline commented. “Without that piece it’s hard to understand, what is the prevalence, when is the peak, and how do we get people back to work?”

SoapBoxSample, an LRW Group company, recruited hundreds of Angelenos to participate in a new antibody study that took place April 10 and 11 across six testing locations throughout the county of Los Angeles. The new testing strategy hopes to shed light on many of the unanswered questions related to the coronavirus. To date, testing has mainly been performed on those who are very sick (and able to secure a test), and evidence suggests that there may be an unknown number of asymptomatic cases in the population.

“It can potentially identify people that are immune from the disease,” said Dr. Neeraj Sood, Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research at USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, the principle investigator of the research initiative.

Working in partnership with researchers from the University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy and the LA County Health Department, SoapBoxSample, recruited a random sampling of hundreds of LA residents, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, to participate in a finger prick serological test, with the purpose of identifying the presence of COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers hope the results of the study may hold the key to when Southern California and the nation can return to a state of relative normalcy.

“This project gave us the opportunity to lift the spirits of our staff during a very difficult time, said Jacqueline. “Everyone involved in this research initiative was excited to give back to the LA community where we live and work.”

SHARING OUR EXPERIENCES – RESEARCH DURING A PANDEMIC

What happens when face-to-face research can no longer be face-to-face?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the world and business, we’ve had to think of some creative ways to help out clients adapt their research methods. Over the last few weeks we’ve seen the research community come together and support each other in some incredible ways. In the spirit of partnership, we decided to share our experiences with two recent studies, in the hopes that our fellow researchers may find it helpful, interesting, or even provide a little bit of welcome distraction.

Shifting Strategies for Multicultural Recruiting

If you’re familiar with Q-insights, you may know that we are known for our multicultural intercept work. Our tagline for many years has been, “Think Outside the Mall.” We’ve been successful with recruiting multicultural groups like Asian, African, and Hispanic Americans by sending interviewers to the places these audiences frequent. One of our clients, a major auto manufacturer, has relied on us for years to intercept an Asian American audience to help them gather feedback on their ad campaigns. We would go to places like Chinatown, Korean markets, bakeries or churches.

With coronavirus basically eliminating foot traffic all together, and not wanting to put our interviewers at risk, we could no longer rely on face-to-face intercepts for recruiting. With our client still relying on us to supply our monthly quota of 85 Asian respondents, we had to present them with an alternative. We had used phone to web recruiting in the past for other clients and thought this project might be a good fit for that methodology.

Our client approved the change, and then we had to quickly adapt our survey instruments knowing that the interviewers could no longer complete the initial screener for the respondent. We adapted our process for phone to web, while still maintaining our “white glove” handling approach by emailing respondents the survey link and staying on the phone with them to guide them through the process while they completed the screener. Once the respondent makes it to the main questionnaire portion, the interviewer drops off and the respondent self-completes on their own. We were able to successful achieve our Asian quota for this study using this strategy.

Driven to Succeed

One of our other long-term clients, a high-end luxury car manufacturer, has been using our services for years to help them develop their top tier product line. Previously, we would interview 50 people, a mix of luxury high-end car owner and intenders in a face-to-face interviewing format. With social distancing practices in place, and our offices suddenly closed we had to quickly move the interviews to an online platform.

The interviews were moved to a remote platform – Zoom, which allowed for a wider geographic spread of respondents. Respondents were able to complete the interview from the comfort of their home or office while still maintaining a personal connection with the interviewer. Our team of interviewers were able to schedule and complete all these interviews in less than two weeks.

Staying True to Our Strengths

Adapting our face-to-face intercept work was a challenge, because we didn’t want to lose the personalized, guided approach that had made us successful in the past. We had to become more flexible, and pivot, but without giving up our best asset – the human connection between the interviewer and the respondent.

Our number one goal is to keep our clients’ projects going strong through the pandemic. We will continue to seek out new ways to connect and engage with audiences in the challenging landscape we are all now facing. If you’d like to chat about projects, creative solutions, or even ways to stave off cabin fever, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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How Business Leaders are Handling COVID-19 Disruptions

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep families homebound and non-essential businesses shut down, business leaders have been forced to make some tough decisions. We polled business leaders from across the U.S. to find out what measures they’re taking and how they’re feeling about the future.

At SoapBoxSample, we’ve been conducting research aimed at understanding American’s attitudes, perceptions and awareness of COVID-19, throughout every phase of the pandemic.

We recently surveyed 201 business leaders (including owners, managers, and sole proprietors), April 2 – 3, 2020, to learn how COVID-19 has or will affect their businesses. Among key findings, 80% of respondents said they had to make changes to the salary, employment status or daily operations of their business due to COVID-19. Among those who said they had to make changes, 52% noted that the most affected change was to their daily operations. Emotions expressed in the survey ranged from fear to anger to hope.

“Depending on how long the pandemic lasts, it could destroy our business in totality.”

“Until the restrictions are lifted, I can’t open the business again. The business had only been in operation for 6 months when the virus started, so it will be difficult to start up again. Lack of funds will be the biggest difficulty.”

However, not everyone had such a grim view. Some business owners are looking at it from a positive perspective, and some noted their opportunity to capitalize on this unique moment in history and strategize for the long term.

“I am a motion graphic artist so I believe the affects will be positive. More companies now will see the value in having their operations be more virtual and my skill set will help with that.”

“In the long term, my company will be larger. I am buying distressed businesses and will profit from many aspects of the crisis.”

A subsequent SoapBoxSample poll fielded April 2 – 3, 2020, measured Americans’ perceptions of when the world would “get back to normal” after COVID-19. Among 409 US residents, 59% said between 1-6 months, while 19% think it will be a year or more. Some of those surveyed expressed more uplifting sentiments about the future.

“I think once everything is contained we can go back to normal and this experience overall will make us all more aware and will have a positive impact in the sense that we will all be more careful.”

“We, as a nation, will overcome this, just as we did other catastrophes, such as 9/11.”

To learn more and read other research in our COVID-19 series, visit https://www.soapboxsample.com/blog/.

COVID-19 May Affect Drivers of US Cannabis Consumption

Research from SoapBoxSample Reveals Cannabis Consumers Willing to Forgo Cannabis if Shortages Arise during COVID-19

March 30, 2020, Los Angeles, CA — Research firm SoapBoxSample released new data today from their ongoing CANNApinion Poll research initiative. The survey of 1,000 US cannabis consumers, fielded March 21 – March 24, 2020, focused on how the recent COVID-19 outbreak may be affecting cannabis consumption habits. While some report that they are consuming more cannabis as a way to relieve stress and anxiety, others say that they are consuming and purchasing less because they want to avoid going out in public to make their purchases (36% of those who report consuming less cannabis).

About half (51%) of those surveyed say they are somewhat or very concerned that their personal supply will run out during the recommended quarantine. A majority of respondents (68%) agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: If I run out during this time, that’s ok, I can live without it. When asked what they would do if their supply ran out, 55% said they will abstain and go without. These stats may indicate that there are a number of recreational cannabis consumers in the US who are not concerned about the possibility of having to forgo cannabis if their supply runs out, suggesting responsible consumption habits overall.

“In an emerging industry like cannabis, consumer habits are still in the beginning stages of development, and the cultural changes caused by COVID-19 are likely to have long lasting, or permanent effects within the cannabis industry.” said Jacqueline Rosales, COO of SoapBoxSample/icanmakeitbetter. “Perceived shortages, disruptions to family life, and changes at the dispensary can all significantly impact the choices consumers make.”

COVID-19 may be impacting consumers’ product choices, spending, and shopping habits, but this research suggests the pandemic may also affect the underlying reasons that drive cannabis consumption. Of those who said they were consuming more cannabis than usual since the pandemic, top reasons include stress relief (60%), to ease anxiety (57%), to ease fear/panic (34%) and as a way to cope with cabin fever (34%).

Among respondents who obtain cannabis through legal dispensaries, 57% have noticed changes in stores. Those who noticed changes reported seeing social distancing practices (50%), dispensaries offering online and pickup orders (41%), budtenders wearing gloves (33%), and hand sanitizing stations (39%). Consumers are also noticing changes to cannabis delivery services. Among respondents who obtain cannabis through legal delivery services, 45% have noticed changes. Of those who noticed changes to delivery services, 41% have experienced longer wait times for deliveries, items out of stock (38%), and delivery drivers wearing masks (38%).

To qualify for participation in this study, respondents must have consumed cannabis in the last 90 days and indicated their awareness of COVID-19. SoapBoxSample conducts bi-monthly surveys of cannabis consumers, designed to measure the cannabis ecosystem, including product preferences, purchasing habits and lifestyle trends. To learn more about cannabis research visit soapboxsample.com/cannabis.

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SoapBoxSample Releases Data on COVID-19’s Impact on Americans’ Daily Lives

Research study reveals an overwhelming number of Americans have financial fears as a result of COVID-19.

March 19 , 2020, Los Angeles, CA — Research firm SoapBoxSample announced today, the release of the third part of their ongoing series of polls on COVID-19. The most recent poll, conducted by SoapBoxSample continues to monitor the public sentiment during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Over the coming weeks SoapBox will continue to measure changes in public sentiment and understanding, and make the data publicly available. The goal of this initiative is to promote awareness of the virus, thereby enabling the public to make responsible and informed decisions.

The third survey focused on the cancellation of events, changes to routines and the grocery shortages Americans now face.  Results from this survey revealed that every respondent asked (100%) is aware of cancellations due to the Coronavirus outbreak.  The vast majority (87%) at least somewhat agree that cancelling events due to Coronavirus is a smart move, and they support these decisions.

When it comes to daily routines, many respondents are sticking to their regular habits, but are eating at restaurants less (66%) and are washing their hands more (59%).  This may be due to the already high number of respondents using grocery delivery (71% are having their groceries delivered, same as before the outbreak) and food delivery services (69% are using services such as GrubHub, Postmates, UberEats, again same as before the pandemic).

“These are unprecedented times we’re living in,” said Jacqueline Rosales, COO of SoapBoxSample and icanmakeitbetter. “Understanding they ways this pandemic is impacting Americans daily lives allows us better understand and address the fears and assure our communities that we’re all in this together. Our goal is to provide insight on a consistent basis to help combat fear with information.”

The third in a series of SoapBoxSample’s polls on COVID-19, this study was conducted March 17 – 18 with 400 US residents (yielding a 95% confidence level, +\-5% margin of error) and focused on Event Cancellations, Impact on Daily Routines and Changes at the Grocery Store.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, the vast majority (90%) of respondents have noticed changes their local grocery store since the news of the spread of Coronavirus. The majority of these changes revolve around the lack of products, with nearly 94% finding empty shelves, 82% noticing a limited supply of items and longer lines (61%) and more crowds (53%).

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, the American public will be exposed to a myriad of news reports. Taking the pulse of the American public to understand what information they are retaining, and whether that information is accurate, is crucial to the US containment strategy. SoapBoxSample seeks to assist with keeping the public safe and informed, by providing this data to the public at no cost.

Parts 4 and 5 will follow in the coming days. To receive ongoing information and stats, please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.

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US Residents’ Reactions to Government Response and Financial Implications to COVID-19

SoapBoxSample Releases Data on US Residents’ Reactions to Government Response and Financial Implications to COVID-19

Research study reveals an overwhelming number of Americans have financial fears as a result of COVID-19.

March 18 , 2020, Los Angeles, CA — Research firm SoapBoxSample announced today, the release of the second part of their ongoing series of polls on COVID-19. As families across the US are in the midst of self-isolation, at home quarantine, remote education and employment, SoapBoxSample launched a comprehensive research initiative designed to monitor public sentiment in the wake of the life-threatening Coronavirus.

The second survey focused on the government’s response and reaction and the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Results from this survey revealed that just over half (51%) of Americans are somewhat or very satisfied with the government’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak.  Over the coming weeks SoapBox will continue to measure changes in public sentiment and understanding, and make the data publicly available. The goal of this initiative is to promote awareness of the virus, thereby enabling the public to make responsible and informed decisions.

“Information is changing daily,” said Jacqueline Rosales, COO of SoapBoxSample and icanmakeitbetter. “We know our staff, clients, friends and family have many concerns from health to financial impacts. Our goal is to continue providing insight on the thoughts of the American public in order to be a small part to help identify and eliminate the knowledge gaps that could potentially lead to unintentional spread of the virus.”

The second in a series SoapBoxSample’s polls on COVID-19, this study was conducted March 16 – 17 with 401 US residents (yielding a 95% confidence level, +\-5% margin of error).   This wave focused on Government and Finances.  Overall, the government was found to be doing a good job (rating of 4 or 5) as it relates to providing information in a timely manner (49% rating of 4 or 5), stressing the serious nature of this outbreak (49% rating of 4 or 5) and communicating ot the public (47%).  However, the largest segment of respondents rated the government a 1 or 2 (needs improvement) when it comes to factors related to the emotional effecs of the outbreak with 49% stating the government needs improvement in helping people feel calm and preventing public panic.

When asked about the financial impact of the pandemic, nearly all respondents (93%) are aware of the impact Coronavirus has had on the world’s financial markets.  An overhwhelming 64% either have lost money or are worried about the amount of money they’re losing in the market plunge.

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, the American public will be exposed to a myriad of news reports. Taking the pulse of the American public to understand what information they are retaining, and whether that information is accurate, is crucial to the US containment strategy. SoapBoxSample seeks to assist with keeping the public safe and informed, by providing this data to the public at no cost.

Parts 3 and 4 will follow in the coming days. To receive ongoing information and stats, please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.

For more information about icanmakeitbetter and Customer Boardroom, visit icanmakeitbetter.com.