Mental models are explanations of how we receive and interpret information and, ultimately, shape how we make sense of the world. They manifest in language through the conceptual narratives and metaphors we use in our everyday communication. Mental modeling can be tremendously helpful in market research: by understanding mental models and the related narratives (such as Heroic Journey, Transformation, Rescue, etc.), researchers and marketers can develop messaging strategies that more effectively motivate their target audiences to action.MORE…

As mobile devices are embraced by a wider audience of consumers, a new mobile class has emerged.

The freedom and control that connected consumers get from their smartphones and tablets carries new sets of challenges and opportunities for brands and retailers trying to keep in step with consumers’ needs and expectations and for market researchers …MORE…

Last week I presented our research study, Tech Fast Forward: Plug in to See the Brighter Side of Life, to a select audience attending the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (which drew over 150,000 people—a new record!). I spoke on one of the Kids@Play panels with Carly Shuler of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center.MORE…

Brace yourself: I’ve declared it Neuroscience Thursday here on Verbatim.

In Mindsight, psychiatrist Dan Sigel notes that, “When we explain … we are relying heavily on the left hemisphere. When we describe … we are bringing the experientially rich side into collaboration with the word-smithing left hemisphere.”
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