Give an example of a time when you had to adjust your research approach due to unexpected findings.

In my previous role as a Product Research Assistant, I was conducting a market research study to determine the optimal price point for a new product. Initially, I planned to conduct surveys and interviews with potential customers to gather their opinions on pricing. However, during the data collection process, I came across unexpected findings. It turned out that customers' willingness to pay was much higher than anticipated. This unexpected insight prompted me to adjust my research approach. I decided to conduct additional market analysis to understand the factors that were driving customers' willingness to pay more. I leveraged secondary research to gather data on competitor pricing strategies and market trends. This allowed me to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics and make informed recommendations to the product development team. Ultimately, the adjustment in my research approach resulted in a higher price point for the product, maximizing profitability for the company.

In my previous role as a Junior Product Research Analyst, I was conducting a market research study to optimize the packaging design for a skincare product. As part of the research process, I conducted focus groups with potential customers to gather their feedback on different packaging concepts. However, during the focus groups, I discovered an unexpected finding - most participants preferred a minimalist and eco-friendly packaging design rather than the vibrant and eye-catching design we had initially planned. This unexpected insight required me to adjust my research approach. To understand this shift in consumer preferences, I conducted additional surveys and interviews with a larger sample size. I also analyzed competitor packaging strategies in the skincare industry. This allowed me to identify a growing trend towards sustainability and minimalism. Based on these findings, I presented a revised packaging design to the product development team, emphasizing its eco-friendly features. The adjustment in my research approach not only helped align the product with changing consumer preferences but also contributed to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious brand image.

During my time as a Product Research Analyst at XYZ Company, I was conducting a market research study to identify growth opportunities for a new line of organic food products. As part of the research process, I conducted a series of surveys to gather consumer preferences and purchase intent. However, I encountered unexpected findings when analyzing the survey data. The majority of respondents expressed concerns about the high prices associated with organic products, which clashed with our initial assumption that consumers prioritize health benefits over cost. To adjust my research approach, I conducted in-depth interviews with a select group of respondents to delve deeper into their purchasing decisions. Through these interviews, I discovered that although consumers were concerned about prices, they were willing to pay more if they perceived the products to be of higher quality and if we provided transparent information about sourcing and production methods. Armed with this new insight, I collaborated with the product development team and marketing department to develop a marketing strategy that highlighted the quality and transparency of our organic food products while addressing price concerns. The adjusted research approach resulted in a successful product launch and a significant increase in market share within the first six months.