FAQ
You were called by the Im Field GmbH and asked to take part in a survey? You would like to know who we are and what we do? Here we answer your questions.
The IM Field GmbH is one of the major market research institutes in eastern Germany. Based on scientific methods we examine different fields of research, from consumption, society, politics to economy. We are a member of ADM (Arbeitskreis Deutscher Markt- und Sozialforschungsinstitute e.V.).
We called you to find out about your opinion on a certain topic.
For representative surveys the telephone numbers are generated according to statistical procedures. Your telephone number was created by a computer as a random combination of numbers, similar to lotto. That is why it can also happen that telephone numbers are randomly generated that cannot be found in public registers. However, we do not know names and addresses, and we do not know which person is behind a telephone number.
Also for some studies our client provides us with the data. We use it in accordance with the requirements of the German Data Protection Act. Our client receives the survey results only in anonymised form.
With your participation in a survey you can make yourself heard. Through your opinion you can influence the design of products, services, politics or also the development of society. Even though your opinion finally stays anonymous, it is important - like many jigsaw pieces make a picture.
No. The participation in a market research survey is always voluntary.
No. We are a market research institute and exclusively interested in your opinion. The aim is to examine the wishes and needs in the population. Our telephone call is for research purposes only. We assure you that due to your participation in our survey you will never receive any advertising or being offered any products or subscriptions.
Your information is analysed without your telephone number and name. The results of a survey are exclusively presented in anonymised form. Thus it is not recognizable which person gave which information.
In our studies we work in accordance with the requirements of the German Data Protection Act, and we adhere strictly to the guidelines of Arbeitskreis Deutscher Markt- und Sozialforscher e.V. (ADM).
In order for our results to be representative, everybody must have the same chance to be interviewed. That is why we need to call in the evening (until 9 p.m.) and at the weekend. In particular employed persons can only be reached at these times.
Today it is not always easy to recognise whether you are called for a survey for research purposes or for a sales deal in disguise. You can check this with the help of the following criteria:
- Market researchers send their telephone number when calling.
- Interviewers say their name and the name of the research institute.
- The reason for the survey is mentioned.
- Anonymity is kept and data protection regulations are observed.
- Participation is voluntary.
- Sales proposals are not made to you.
- No personal data is asked (e.g. address, bank details).