The State of Insights – February 2024 – An Automated Summary

Ray Poynter, 21 February 2024

The third wave of the NewMR study looking at the state of insights has just closed its data collection and we have the views of 330 insight and research professionals from around the world. A few days ago, I shared a word cloud based on one part of the data, you can see it here.

As the next step in looking at the data, I used ResearchWiseAI to produce an automated summary. This was achieved by loading a raw export of the 330 responses into the platform and I asked the following question “What is the state of optimism/pessimism in the research and insights world? What are the main things that researchers are positive about and worried about?”

The Summary generated by the AI was”

“The State of Optimism/Pessimism in the Research and Insights World

Executive Summary

The research and insights world is currently experiencing a mix of optimism and pessimism. The majority of respondents in a recent survey expressed optimism about the future of the industry, with a particular focus on the potential of AI and automation. However, there are also several concerns, including declining data quality, potential job loss due to AI, misuse of data, and decreasing research budgets.

Optimism in the Research and Insights World

According to a recent market research survey, 54% of respondents expressed optimism about the state of insights and research, with 12% being very optimistic. This positive outlook is largely driven by the potential of AI and automation in the industry.

Researchers are eager to enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas related to AI and automation, with a particular interest in learning Python and gaining a deeper understanding of AI tools. There is also a focus on utilizing AI in research, specifically in analyzing qualitative data and text analytics.

The industry is witnessing a surge in investment and experimentation, with researchers embracing new methodologies and technologies. The industry is also adapting to the rapid evolution of AI, using it to streamline and enhance the research process.

Pessimism in the Research and Insights World

Despite the optimism, there are several concerns in the research and insights world. These include declining data quality, which could potentially affect the accuracy and reliability of research findings. Another concern is the potential for AI to replace human researchers, raising questions about the future role of human expertise in the field.

Misuse and misinterpretation of data is also a significant worry, as it can lead to incorrect conclusions and decisions based on flawed analysis. The impact of AI on job loss is another concern, as automation and machine learning algorithms could potentially replace certain research roles, leading to unemployment in the industry.

Decreasing research budgets pose a challenge, as limited resources can hinder the ability to conduct thorough and comprehensive studies. The commoditization of insights is another issue, as it can devalue the importance and uniqueness of research findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the state of optimism and pessimism in the research and insights world is a reflection of the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies like AI and automation. While there is excitement about the potential of these technologies to transform the industry, there are also concerns about their impact on data quality, job security, and the value of research.

As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important for researchers to continue enhancing their skills and embracing new technologies, while also addressing the concerns and challenges that arise.”

Diving in a bit deeper

As well as looking at this summary, I looked at four of the supporting pages and found the following.

How Optimistic are you about the state of insights and research?

ResearchWise AI generated the following chart and commentary.

According to a recent market research survey, the majority of respondents (54%) expressed optimism about the state of insights and research. This positive outlook suggests a belief in the potential for valuable and impactful findings. Additionally, 12% of participants reported being very optimistic, indicating a strong confidence in the future of this field. On the other hand, 10% expressed pessimism, while 23% remained neutral. These results highlight the diverse range of perspectives within the industry. It is worth noting that only 1% of respondents felt very pessimistic, indicating a generally positive sentiment overall. These findings provide valuable insights into the current state of the insights and research sector.

Question: What are the most positive things about the insights and research world in 2024?

ResearchWiseAI took the open-ended comments to this question and assigned them to themes that it created and named. Below is a chart showing the themes and the automated summary of that chart.

“In 2024, the insights and research world is buzzing with excitement and optimism about the potential of AI. AI is being hailed as a game-changer, as it has the ability to consolidate multiple data sources in real-time, leading to improved insights and reduced costs for businesses. It has completely transformed qualitative data analysis and has opened up a whole new range of research tools. The industry is witnessing a surge in investment and experimentation, with researchers embracing new methodologies and technologies. The industry is also adapting to the rapid evolution of AI, using it to streamline and enhance the research process. However, despite all these advancements, there is still a recognition of the importance of understanding people and the value of qualitative research. The industry as a whole is focused on innovation, embracing new technologies, and providing actionable insights to drive business growth.”

Question: What are the most negative or worrying things about the world of insights and research in 2024?

ResearchWiseAI took the open-ended comments to this question and assigned them to themes that it created and named. Below is a chart showing the themes and the automated summary of that chart.

The various respondents in 2024 have expressed several negative or worrying aspects about the world of insights and research. These include declining data quality, which could potentially affect the accuracy and reliability of research findings. Another concern is the potential for AI to replace human researchers, raising questions about the future role of human expertise in the field.

Misuse and misinterpretation of data is also a significant worry, as it can lead to incorrect conclusions and decisions based on flawed analysis. The impact of AI on job loss is another concern, as automation and machine learning algorithms could potentially replace certain research roles, leading to unemployment in the industry.

Decreasing research budgets pose a challenge, as limited resources can hinder the ability to conduct thorough and comprehensive studies. The commoditization of insights is another issue, as it can devalue the importance and uniqueness of research findings.

The rise of DIY research is seen as a potential threat, as it allows non-experts to conduct their own research without proper training or understanding of research methodologies. This could lead to inaccurate or biased results.

The threat of fraud and synthetic data is also a worry, as it can undermine the credibility and trustworthiness of research findings. The resistance to change and adoption of new technology is another concern, as it can hinder the progress and innovation in the field.

Furthermore, the lack of appreciation for the value of research is seen as a problem, as it can lead to underinvestment and a lack of support for research initiatives. Economic and political uncertainty, as well as the concentration of data in the hands of a few organizations, are additional concerns that impact the field of insights and research.

Lastly, the diminishing trust in research due to data fraud is a significant worry, as it can erode public confidence in the reliability and integrity of research findings.

Question: What sorts of training/learning are you looking for in 2024 (if any)

ResearchWiseAI took the open-ended comments to this question and assigned them to themes that it created and named. Below is a chart showing the themes and the automated summary of that chart.

The combined summary would be: In 2024, market researchers are eager to enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas related to AI and automation. They are particularly interested in learning Python and gaining a deeper understanding of AI tools. There is also a focus on utilizing AI in research, specifically in analyzing qualitative data and text analytics. Market researchers are also interested in understanding the role of AI in their field and how to effectively incorporate it into their processes. Other areas of interest include storytelling, legal aspects of research, and improving data analysis capabilities. Overall, market researchers aim to leverage AI to improve insights, automate tasks, and stay updated with industry trends.

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