RIVA 195 - Principles of Qualitative Research (PQR)

Course Fee: $1,175 US$

Qualitative Market Research (QLMR) formally began in the 1930s with focus groups for Proctor & Gamble. The role of QLMR has grown exponentially in nearly eight decades and the principles about it continue to emerge.

This intensive and interactive one-day training is intended to introduce key principles of QLMR and provide researchers with an understanding of the types of QLMR and its applications. The course will review these principles:

1) The general definition of Qualitative Market Research (QLMR)
2) The different types of QLMR
3) The best uses of QLMR
4) The importance of purpose statements in QLMR design
5) The four stages of a Qualitative Research Event (QRE)
6) The differences and similarities between moderating and facilitating
7) The pitfalls and drawbacks of QLMR
8) The qualities of a Master Moderator
9) Benefits and drawbacks of vested moderators
10) Different moderator styles

This course is not intended to train individuals how to become new or better moderators nor is it intended to train individuals how to conduct QREs. While participants will review materials related to moderating, the intent of the course is to help participants understand the underpinnings of QLMR. The learning modules include: open forums, small group discussions, and demonstrations, as well as training materials. This course is designed for researchers who are:

New to the field of QLMR and interested in understanding the depth and breadth of this powerful research tool
Looking for additional reading materials about QLMR
Challenged by the strong differences between survey research and qualitative research and are looking to explore the qualitative path
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee: $1,175 US$

Rockville, MD September 9, 2019 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

 

RIVA 199 - PM & Screener Development

Course Fee: $1,675 US$

A successful qualitative research project is more than just a good focus group or interview. Having the right respondents and staying on top of all the steps in the project have a great impact on whether the project flows smoothly with a minimum of difficulty or whether problems arise that put the project under stress.

RIVA 199 has been developed to help qualitative researchers refine the administrative skills that make a project successful. In some companies, the moderator is responsible for all parts of the study from proposal to final report, and some companies assign a portion of these duties to others in the organization, rather than the moderator.

This one day course is designed to support those individuals who have the responsibility for managing a qualitative research study, developing the screener for recruiting respondents, and even those who manage those who do. Using examples from students' own projects, as well as a RIVA textbook and handouts, students will deconstruct these examples to sort the elements that work from these that may not be producing desired results.

After taking this class, graduates will be able to:

• Develop a solid plan for successfully managing the myriad of elements involved in any qualitative study with appropriate management processes
• Use checklists and facility letters/memoranda to communicate with clients, facilities and others on the project team
• Understand the critical elements that should be included in screeners and the impact of adding additional criteria
• Diagnose screener weaknesses and develop solutions
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee: $1,675 US$

Rockville, MD November 4, 2019 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Morning:
Open forum on issues related to project management: styles, what works, what does not work, what the issues are, the importance of project purpose statements to each member of the project team and how they shape the role of team members. As well review and examination of current strategies for project management and presentation of alternative project management tools will be incorporated. A textbook and handouts will be used to provide examples.

Afternoon:
Discussion about what is working and what is not working in current screener development and recruitment of respondents; who should be talking to the client about screener criteria; the articulation and creativity questions on screeners; algorithms; review and deconstruction of student screeners and strategies for better screener development.
 

RIVA 201 - Fundamentals of Moderating

Course Fee: $3,875 US$

RIVA 201 provides an experiential training environment for students to learn about focus groups and their context of qualitative marketing research. The focus of the course is on designing a clear research purpose statement, preparation of a clear and workable individualized guide, and executing and honing skills to conduct lively focus groups with respondents. Students will hone their skills through repeated tasks that build on one another, constant feedback, and coaching. Additionally, students take away a textbook full of examples and practical tips from actual research projects.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Lead groups as a professional, even if it's your first group
• Gain an appropriate comfort level for conducting group interviews
• Develop individualized introductory group ground rules & guidelines
• Craft appropriate questions for gathering qualitative data
• Have techniques to organize desired data into a Moderator's Guide
• Learn to quickly build rapport with respondents
• Know how to probe for more than top of mind responses
• Manage time during groups and keep the group process flowing
• Develop techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, Mary, what do you think?"
• Know how to be an "expert moderator" without being a "topic expert"
• Gain strategies to effectively and ethically moderate groups with their own customers and fellow employees
• Gain the foundation of a toolbox filled with special moderator techniques and how to use them
• Understand the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Know how to be authoritative while being the youngest person on the research team
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,875 US$

Rockville, MD

August 5-7, 2019 - WAIT LIST ONLY - CALL RIVA TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT-LIST
August 19-21, 2019 - WAIT LIST ONLY - CALL RIVA TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT-LIST
September 10-12, 2019 - WAIT LIST ONLY - CALL RIVA TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT-LIST
September 23-25, 2019 - WAIT LIST ONLY - CALL RIVA TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT-LIST
October 7-9, 2019 - Register Online
October 21-23, 2019 - Register Online
November 5-7, 2019 - Register Online
November 18-20, 2019 - Register Online
December 4-6, 2019 - Register Online
December 16-18, 2019 - Register Online

To WAIT-LIST for a class, please register for another class date. Once registered for a class, contact RIVA to be placed on the list of the class you are interested in taking.

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.
  

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
Understanding respondent experience, research design issues, question crafting, appropriate use of special moderator techniques, demo of typical moderator interventions, coached interviewing, criteria for preparing appropriate research purpose statements, all about POBA's, context of moderator discussion guides, types of guides, identifying key issue areas, guide development, feedback and coaching, role of introductory guidelines, open forum

Day 1, Evening:
About 3 hours of homework

Day 2:
Review of qualities of a good moderator, self-assessment and review, more interventions, practice ground rules, second moderation, individual feedback and coaching, question and guide review, conduct two practice moderation sessions, how and when to probe and clarify appropriately, moderator styles, human research ethics and how ethical research pays off, active listening, identifying moderator bias, conduct fourth moderation, Individual feedback and coaching, open forum and last minute questions

Day 2, Evening:
About 2-3 hours of homework

Day 3:
Focus groups conducted with consumer respondents, individual feedback and private coaching, critical review of moderator skills and successes, respondent insights revealed, open forum on special moderator issues and concerns with trainer summary, overview of industry associations and resources.

 

RIVA 202 - Skill Acceleration

Course Fee: $3,875 US$

This course provides an experiential training environment for working and experienced moderators who have not taken RIVA 201. The course provides moderators with insights into areas that are working well and those that are not. The focus of this class is to review current moderating skills and to provide insight into moving current skills to a higher level. The thrust of the course is on trainer coaching and feedback on moderating styles and techniques. Students will also take away a textbook full of invaluable information derived from live research projects.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Obtain feedback on their moderating techniques and styles
• Build rapid rapport with respondents
• Receive tips and feedback on appropriate, individualized introductory group ground rules & guidelines
• Improve techniques to organize desired data into a Moderator's Guide
• Craft efficient questions for gathering deeper data
• Gauge the impact of their questions and know how to adjust them to get desired data
• Know how to probe for more than top of mind responses
• Work with techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, John, why do you say that?"
• Develop strategies and skills for dealing with "difficult" respondents
• Get feedback on the use of interventions and metaphorical techniques
• Understand the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Gain strategies to effectively and ethically moderate groups with their own customers and fellow employees
• Have an understanding of their strengths and insight into areas for improvement
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,875 US$

Rockville, MD December 9-11, 2019 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
Introductions, identify concerns and needs for the course, effective question-crafting and guide development, exploring guide types, student demonstration of rapport building and creating an environment for data gathering, record ground rules, trainer feedback and coaching, and open forum.

Day 1, Evening:
About 3 hours of homework

Day 2:
Observation of skillful moderating techniques, review appropriate use of interventions, creating dynamic discussion sessions, student moderation with individualized feedback, explore strategies for meeting challenges of respondent situations, coached moderating, productive probing techniques, active listening, human research ethics and how ethical research pays off, adjusting discussion guides, Preparing for conducting groups with recruited respondents.

Day 2, Evening:
About 2-3 hours of homework

Day 3:
Focus groups conducted with real consumer respondents, individual feedback and extended private coaching, respondent insights revealed, open forum and trainer summary, problem discussion and resolution, identifying areas for continued growth for accelerating skills, overview of industry resources and associations, open forum, review growth achieved, closure.

 

RIVA 204 - All About Ethnography

Course Fee: $3,995 US$

Qualitative market research has many avenues to collect data from respondents. One way to get unfiltered responses in "real time" is to conduct an interview in a home, business or social setting. Ethnographic research goes where the respondent is and combines market research questions with tools from anthropology and sociology, allowing researchers to gather data "in the moment" in which an action or activity is taking place.

This experiential RIVA course, part of the foundation series at the RIVA Training Institute, provides information on the Art & Science of Ethnography and allows opportunities to practice skills, not only in class but also in the real life settings of consumers. It is an intensive 3-day class with a trainer and coach. Pre-requisites: Either a graduate of RIVA 201, 202 or the approval of the Training Director.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Understand the various types of ethnography research models
• Set the stage for effective ethnographic interviews
• Know the four stages of ethnographic interviews
• Know the importance of the interview protocol
• Understand the role of note taking, video/audio recordings, and in-home logistics
• Know the best number of research members to take to an individual interview and the role of each person on the team
• Conduct ethnography projects within a clear set of ethical guidelines
• Have tools, tips and techniques for setting up an ethnographic project, conducting a project and determine what data should be analyzed for reporting purposes
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,995 US$

Rockville, MDTBD - 2020 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1: In Class
Overview of ethnography, context for studies, types of Ethnographic research, the difference between Ethnography and an IDI, review of case studies, four stages of an interview, two models for collecting data, protocols and checklists, the best environment for the study, role of interventions, key questions that should always be asked, structure and content of the interview instrument.

Day 1: Evening:
About 2-3 hours of homework. Note: The basis for the homework is done in class while the time at home is spent on crafting a guide that will be used in the remainder of the course.

Day 2: In Class
Review the qualities of a good interviewer, the first 10 minutes of the interview, demo of introductions with a respondent and a member of the research team - how many and the role of each, practice introductions and ground rules, group debrief and coaching, the finer points of operating video cameras so it is an effective data collection tool, practice interview and taping with observer, how and when to probe and clarify appropriately, debrief and coaching, open forum.

Day 2: Evening:
About an hour of homework to fine tune moderator's guide for use in-home interview on Day 3

Day 3: Field Work
Field consumer interviews with each student acting as interviewer, videographer, and observer. Informal group debrief, private debriefing with trainer/coach. Recap all key insights via a review of selected portions of video made of morning interviews. Review areas where further tips and techniques are desired. Open forum on best practices and review of student concerns. Student evaluations are collected and the class is dismissed.

 

RIVA 205 - Moderating: Kid & Teens

Course Fee: $4,295 US$

RIVA 205 is a 3-day, in-person, hands-on course for the experienced moderator who want to add or improve their moderating skills with kids and teens. This course will help "moderators discover" new tools they can develop for this younger population. This course also includes a 90-minute webinar.

Course Prerequisites:
Moderators who have taken RIVA 201, 202, or 303; or have received the approval of RIVA's Training Director, Amber Tedesco. It is expected that participants in this class have been moderators for a period of time and want to upgrade their skills to better work with kids and teens (elementary and middle school aged) in qualitative sessions. Although older teens (high school) will be covered in the learning, the practice sessions are with elementary and middle school aged kids as conducting groups with them is much different then older teens (closer to adult age) and adults.

In addition to the intensive 3 Day course, students will also participate in a 90-minute webinar. These pre-class sessions will allow some basics to be covered so that time in class can be specifically tailored to class needs.

By participating in RIVA 205, one will gain an understanding of how to interview kids and teens (elementary and middle school aged) in individual and small group settings, troubleshoot problems and acquire a strong set of insights from children and teenagers by using age-appropriate expectations, proper recruiting methods, and kid-friendly exercises.

All students will have the opportunity to practice what they have learned. There will be two practice sessions with recruited respondents. Students will have the opportunity to conduct one practice session with younger kids and one with older kids.

The class will build on the core strength of the trainer who has a long history of working with this population and she will bring not only her experience but her expertise in setting up and managing projects for kids and teens.

RIVA 205 Moderating Kids/Teens is a hybrid of online and in-person teaching. This course will have a 90-minute webinar prior to the in-person session. The in-person portion of the class is held June 24-26, 2019 in Rockville, MD. The 90-minute webinar is approximately 1 week prior to the in-person class.

This class is limited to 6 students and registration is on a first come/first serve basis.

For more information or to register, please contact Amber Tedesco, Director, at 301-770-6456x101 or via email Amber@RIVAinc.com.

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,295 US$

Rockville, MD June 24-26, 2019 - 2 Open Seats - Register Online


After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

 

RIVA 207 - Fundamentals of IDI Moderating

Course Fee: $3,875 US$

RIVA 207 - Fundamentals of IDI Moderating, has been specially developed for qualitative researchers who are looking to conduct one-on-one interviews with individuals.

This intensive three day course focuses on principles and best practices for conducting effective In-Depth Interviews. The process of talking to one person in an interview setting requires a different skill set than talking to multiple respondents in a focus group setting. RIVA 207 provides an experiential training environment for students to learn the fundamentals of In-Depth Interviews in general and, specifically, what works/does not work when doing a In-Depth Interviews. The focus of the course is multifaceted: starting with designing a clear research purpose statement, and, then preparing a clear, workable, individualized guide. Students will then execute and hone their skills by conducting effective In-Depth Interviews with recruited respondents. Students will sharpen their skills through repeated tasks that build exponentially and through constant and individualized feedback and coaching.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Have a set of best practices for leading effective IDIs
• Build confidence levels
• Gain an appropriate comfort level for conducting IDIs
• Understand the underpinnings of IDIs in the qualitative research paradigm and how they differ from survey interviews
• Develop individualized introductory ground rules & guidelines
• Craft appropriate questions for gathering qualitative data from individuals
• Determine how to choose the best research design and moderator guide type for classic studies
• Have techniques to organize desired data into a Moderator's Guide
• Know how to build rapport in 10 seconds
• Know how to probe for more than top of mind responses
• Manage time during an interview and keep respondents engaged
• Develop techniques to elicit responses beyond traditional probes like "tell me more"
• Know how to be an "expert moderator" without being a "topic expert"
• Gain strategies to effectively and ethically moderate IDIs with diverse types of respondents
• Begin to create a "personal toolbox" of techniques [e.g., interventions]
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,875 US$

Rockville, MD September 16-18, 2019 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
Understanding respondent experience, research design issues, question crafting, appropriate use of special moderator techniques, demo of typical moderator interventions, coached interviewing, criteria for preparing appropriate research purpose statements, all about POBA's, context of moderator discussion guides, types of guides, identifying key issue areas, guide development, first moderation - without recording, feedback and coaching, role of introductory guidelines, open forum

Day 1: Evening:
About 3 hours of homework

Day 2:
Review of qualities of a good moderator, self-assessment and review, more interventions, practice ground rules, second moderation - with digital recording, individual feedback and coaching, question and guide review, conduct third moderation - with digital recording, how and when to probe and clarify appropriately, moderator styles, human research ethics and how ethical research pays off, active listening, identifying moderator bias, Individual feedback and coaching, open forum and discussion of Day 3 logistics

Day 2: Evening:
About 2 hours of homework

Day 3:
Mock IDI with recruited respondents - digital recording; individual feedback and private coaching, critical review of moderator skills and successes, open forum on special moderator issues and concerns with trainer summary, overview of industry associations and resources, Course Evaluation and delivery of certificate.

 

RIVA 221: Principles of UX/Usability Testing & Research

Course Fee: $2,975 US$

UX/Usability research & testing plays a critical role in developing all types of products, from programmable TV remotes to intuitive apps for your phone and is even utilized in pacemakers and insulin pumps. Usability testing leverages many of the skills qualitative researchers already have [e.g., designing and managing qualitative research projects, building rapport, probing for clarity, getting below top-of-mind responses].

Students will gain an understanding of the best practices in usability testing as well as when and how to apply this method in their own work. While the focus of this course is on usability testing, students will learn about other UX research techniques such as personas, task analysis, remote and in-person card sorting, the System Usability Scale, affinity diagraming and tree testing and how to integrate these methods into a usability study.

Students will gain skill in:

• Running a usability study from start to finish: how to plan, moderate, collect data, analyze and report on a usability study
• Being able to analyze an interactive product to identify usability issues
• Techniques for measuring usability
• Methods to produce usability insights that drive business decisions
• Recruiting for a usability study, using personas to identify key participant characteristics
• Approaches for running studies at different points in a product's development (e.g., concept, early prototype, released product)
• When to do in-person, remote, or automated usability testing
• Methods for gathering feedback on interactive digital, mobile, and physical products
• How to integrate usability into other forms of qualitative research
• Managing observers and running debrief discussions

Students will receive a comprehensive work book, an example test plan, test script, recruiting screener, and usability report that they can use as a template to adapt for use in their own practice. They will learn methods for usability testing digital and physical products. The course material includes a detailed bibliography with information on where to learn more about usability testing user experience research so that they can incorporate these techniques into their own qualitative practice. The class will include an overview of the Morae recording software which is designed to capture video, participant and observer interaction during usability studies and UX research.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $2,975 US$

Rockville, MD September 30-October 1, 2019 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
Definition of usability, usability testing, and types of products and services that can be usability tested, where usability fits into "Design Thinking," good reasons to run a study, exploration of how usability testing fits into other forms of qualitative research, frameworks for evaluating interactive products, setting usability study objectives, gauging your overall testing approach to the product development phase, developing criteria to measure usability, using personas to clarify recruiting requirements, recruiting for a usability study, developing the task list and discussion guide, moderating the usability study - how it is similar and different from other forms of qualitative moderating, ethics around running studies, basic data collection, dealing with observers, In-class exercise: each student will have the opportunity to moderate and to observe a usability study.

Day 1, Evening:
About 2 hours of homework developing your own task list against an interactive product of your choice

Day 2:
More detailed discussion on data collection: defining task success/failure, time-on-task, user ratings, video recording sessions, role of Morae, System Usability Scale (SUS) and Product Reaction Cards, affinity diagramming for synthesizing data collected during a usability study. Using the task list they have developed students will moderate a usability session with an outside participant, creating reports that drive decisions and satisfy stakeholders who have different information needs, considerations for remote and mobile sessions, how to usability test physical products, card sorting, overview of key UX learning resources and organizations.

RIVA 241 - Qualitative Analysis & Reporting

Course Fee: $3,695 US$

This course provides an experiential training format in which students can learn how to analyze and report findings from any one of the 19 different qualitative methodologies. Students will receive techniques and individual trainer feedback on how to capture the wealth of diverse qualitative data and turn it into clear, concise, written insights for their clients. This three day course requires the use of laptop computers both in class and for homework.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Understand the analysis process
• Know what clients are looking for in qualitative reports
• Have strategies for tackling the task of analysis
• Learn techniques for efficient data synthesis and reporting.
• Understand different methods for reporting qualitative data
• Develop unique styles to differentiate reports
• Understand the value of writing from transcripts vs. notes or listening/watching video
• Gain insight into classic analysts' problems
• Learn methods for delivering "bad news"
• Understand the role of ethics in qualitative research

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,695 US$

Rockville, MDAugust 12-14, 2019 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
Overview of role and challenges in analysis & reporting data, capturing & organizing data for analysis, quick-start analysis techniques, addressing client expectations, reporting styles & formats, cookbook techniques for reporting & analysis, and review of segment from actual reports. Short in-class writing assignments to learn new principles.

Day 2:
Review of the context of qualitative analysis and report writing, borrowing from other disciplines, and using devices like metaphor, current social language, and themes from books, the movies and musical lyrics to build a deeper level to understand how to bridge the gap between what respondents say and what does it mean to client decision-making. Short, in-class writing assignments to turn theory into concrete deliverables.

Day 2 Homework:
Review transcripts of raw data from three focus groups Day 3:
Using the homework assignment, students will write one section of a report using techniques learned from Day 1. Under the coaching and guidance of the trainer, students will also receive critiques and feedback on how to maximize their analysis style and reporting effectiveness. Several different reports will be provided as resources along with a course textbook.

 

RIVA 242: Qualitative Toolbox - Interventions/Projective Techniques

Course Fee: $2,975 US$

This experiential course for moderators offers a training environment for students who seek to build more complex and non-traditional moderating styles through special tools and techniques. It is a two-day course that concentrates on teaching the philosophies behind interventions, "projectives," and metaphorical techniques used in focus groups to access deeper data, plus provides experiential demonstrations of multiple techniques. The goal of the course is to give students a full toolkit of techniques and a context for using them.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Have information about the tools used in qualitative research and in focus groups
• Understand the objectives of various tool categories, plus when and how their use is appropriate
• Understand the basic format of most tools (e.g. set up, variations, debriefing) so that they may apply them to meet their own specific objectives
• Have experienced different tools in an experiential learning environment
• Have gained experience designing and developing a package of techniques to meet research goals and receive expert feedback and coaching
• Know how to build on a repertoire of useful tools by creating their own to fit their qualitative research needs
• Develop alternative techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, Bob, what do you think?"
• Hone skills to break through a non-productive group or one with challenging respondents
• Understand the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Have the information and skills needed to adapt, create, and modify tools to meet their ever-changing needs
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $2,975 US$

Rockville, MD March 18-19, 2019 - 2 OPEN SEATS Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
Intros, context of qualitative tools and techniques, exercises that challenge assumptions about moderating and tools, When to use techniques, Do's and dont's of alternative techniques, Introduction to various tool categories, Introduction to laddering, Experiential practicum in laddering, More on tool categories, Experiential exercises and debriefing, Open forum

Day 1, Evening:
May have about 1 hour of homework, depending on the needs of the class

Day 2:
Review of group experiences, more tool categories, introduction to projective and metaphorical techniques, tools for exploring brands, working on practicum, students presenting tools practicum with trainer feedback and coaching, debriefing group experiences, review of insights gained, closure

 

RIVA 303 - Advanced Moderating

Course Fee: $3,875 US$

This 3-day course is designed for experienced moderators who have conducted over 40 focus groups or have equivalent experience as determined by the Training Director. It will provide a review of current skills with feedback and coaching to reach higher levels of research findings. Additionally, training is provided on current qualitative research methodologies. Participants will gain insights into working productively with client challenges and how to effectively work with the back-room team. The driving force in this course is on trainer coaching and feedback.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Have feedback and coaching to move towards masterful moderating
• Become sensitized to subtle data that is missed by some moderators and observers
• Identify and challenge current strategies for dealing with their own "difficult" respondents
• Gain techniques to productively use rather than dismiss or subdue challenging respondents, such as dominators and "experts"
• Develop alternative techniques to elicit appropriate respondent behavior
• Receive coaching on use and timing of creative techniques that work for more than surface data
• Learn how to effectively manage backroom dynamics
• Understand the role of ethics in qualitative research
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,875 US$

Rockville, MD October 16-18, 2019 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
Intros, review concerns and barriers to growth as a moderator, building models for ideal moderating, theory and practice of group dynamics, current and emerging methodologies in qualitative research, online moderating, reviewing effective guides, coached moderating, critical observation of moderating techniques, open forum I

Day 1, Evening:
About 2-3 hours of homework

Day 2:
Review appropriate use of interventions, review methodology design and integration of creative tools into qualitative research, strategies for optimizing experiences with personally challenging or difficult respondents, student moderation with individual feedback and coaching, debrief successes and challenges of moderation experiences, adjusting discussion guides, productive probing techniques, active listening, creating dynamic discussion sessions, preparing for conducting groups with recruited respondents

Day 2, Evening:
About 2-3 hours of homework

Day 3:
Focus groups conducted with real consumer respondents, individual feedback and extended private coaching, critical review of moderator successes and skill acceleration, respondent insights revealed, open forum and trainer summary, problem discussion and resolution, identifying areas for continued growth toward becoming a Master Moderator, overview of industry associations and resources, open forum, review growth achieved.

 

RIVA 433 - Mastery in Action & Exam

Course Fee: $3,975 US$

This course is only for Master Moderator Candidates who are enrolled in the Master Modertor Program and have met all other requirements to take the Master Moderator Exam.

Designed for highly experienced moderators and researchers, this 3-day course provides an experiential training environment for students to critically observe and model masterful moderating techniques. Founders of the RIVA Training Institute, Naomi R. Henderson and Jo Ann Hairston who together have conducted close to 10,000 focus groups, teach this capstone course. Students will have opportunities to critically observe a variety of trained moderators, in person and on tape, view a group conducted by a Master Moderator with consumer respondents, plus get feedback of their own moderating work. In addition to the unique experience of learning special tools and techniques from moderators who are renowned in their specialty areas, students will also learn through collegial sharing and solution-finding of challenges in the current research industry. A review of mastery level qualitative research skills and knowledge will work to prepare participants for the written and practicum examination for RIVA's Master Moderator TM Certificate.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Hone their critical observation of styles of other experienced moderators and apply learning to their own work
• Have gained feedback on their own style and skills
• Discover ways fellow researchers have tackled research and project challenges
• Hone techniques for not settling for surface data
• Hone alternative techniques to elicit appropriate respondent behavior
• Hone techniques to gracefully handle challenging respondent situations
• Have a benchmark to model their own skills and to use when evaluating other moderators
• Have a deep understanding of research ethics
• Have knowledge and understanding of the skills of a RIVA Training Institute Master Moderator.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,975 US$

Rockville, MD May 11-13, 2020 - Contact the Executive Director, Amber Tedesco for approval - 301-770-6456x101 After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
Intros, building a team that is moving to mastery, critical observation and feedback of student's work, coached procedures, critical observation of group with recruited respondents conducted by Master Moderator-Trainer, critical observation and feedback of students work, coached procedures.

Day 1, Evening:
Homework assignment 1-2 hours in length

Day 2:
Review of student worksheets, critical observation and feedback of students' work, coached procedures, case studies, review of skills and knowledge needed by those wishing to acquire a certificate as a RIVA Training Institute Master Moderator, review of key concerns.

Day 2, Evening:
Homework assignment 1-2 hours in length

Day 3:
Written and practicum exam.

 

RIVA 501: Facilitating - Practical Tools, Tips, & Techniques

Course Fee: $3,875 US$

RIVA 501 is a practical 3-day course, rather than a course based on theory or academics. RIVA's promise to graduates of this course is that you will be equipped with practical and actionable steps in order to facilitate a meeting and learn the techniques to move the needle from problem to solution as a session leader.

Upon completing RIVA 501, course graduates will:

• Understand how facilitation differs from giving a speech, moderating, brainstorming, or ideation session
• Understand the importance of pre-group planning in order to make a facilitation effective
• Know how to build an environment that ensures a successful outcome
• Understand and utilize key tools that enhance the facilitation process
• Determine how to keep track of the data generated in a facilitated session
• Realize the importance of ground-rules and buy-in by participants
• Understand the impact of personal style on outcomes
• Know how to handle challenging personalities
• Know how to handle group dynamics
• Manage tangents and timelines
• Determine your individual style of facilitation
• Craft questions to support input to the problem solving process
• Determine how to build rapport and maintain it for hours or days
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,875 US$

Rockville, MD July, 29-31, 2019 - Register Online

After completing this RIVA course, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion" stating you have completed the coursework that was required of you. This is not the same as saying you are "certified" as a moderator/analyst/planner/facilitator. You may add this terminology to your resume: "Holds a Certificate of Completion in [NAME OF TRAINING COURSE], from the RIVA Training Institute." You cannot say you are a "Certified Researcher" because you have not completed a written exam or practicum. If you are interested in certification, please review RIVA's Master Moderator Certificate Program.

COURSE ROADMAP

Day 1:
The context of facilitation, the role of participants, the value of preparation, how to ensure the leader is "wearing the right hat," how to create an effective environment that insures leader is working with participants and not at cross purposes, and how to collect the key data needed for decision making.

Day 1, Evening:
1.5 hours of "homework" to craft materials for Day 2 experiential sessions

Day 2:
Mastering group dynamics and the importance of creating a roadmap for desired outcomes; seeing value in pre-made handouts and templates in order to forward work with respondents in a facilitated session; how to handle challenges in group dynamics; what to do when "consensus" is not emerging; how to get a room "unstuck" via interventions and projective techniques, and open forum to discuss client specific issues.

Day 3:
Facilitations conducted with recruited respondents as participants on a global issue in which all can get involved. Post facilitation individual feedback and private coaching, critical review of skills and successes, open forum on special facilitator issues and concerns and the day ends with trainer summary, overview of industry associations and resources and your chance to evaluate course content and process.

 

RIVA Webinars

$95 US$ per person

RIVA offers an opportunity for qualitative researchers to enhance their skills via webinars. Our webinars provide insights on a variety of qualitative market research trends, concerns, tips, and techniques. The live 90 minute format allows for the honing of particular skills, and an opportunity to interact with our RTI Founders or trainers online. They will be bringing more than 50 years of combined experience and insights from over 10,000 focus groups. You will find the benefits of this small investment will be immediate in your qualitative career.

Experience what sets RIVA apart from other training programs - enroll today!

Upcoming Webinar - Course Fee $95 US$ per person

Topic: TBD
LIVE RIVA Webinar. 
DATE: TBD 2019, 12-1:30pm EST
Register Online

Registration closes at 9pm EST on the Thursday prior to the webinar date.

This webinar will address issues to those new to Ethnography in Qualitative Research as well as those with some experience with ethnographic projects. It will provide participants with insights into the usefulness of Ethnography, provide key best practices, and provide knowledge about how this method can increase client understanding of consumers.
 

WEBINAR TOPICS
Information presented in this webinar will cover topics such as the ones below and participants are invited to submit questions up to one week prior to the webinar to be addressed in the written webinar.

• Difference Between True Ethnography & What Market Researchers Do.
• What makes Ethnography such a rich tool for clients?
• When should Ethnography be the chosen method?
• Grounded Theory or Ethnographic Research – What is the Difference?
• What are 10 key principles of Ethnographic Research?
• Key Best Practices for in person Ethnographic Studies
• The Emerging Role of Digital Ethnography

Key Webinar "Take Aways":
• Information to confirm accuracy of current practices.
• Key information for those new to ethnographic research.
• New information to increase effectiveness in conducting Ethnographic Research studies.

**Webinar registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your full payment must be received prior to the webinar date or your unique webinar link may be disabled and you will not be able to participate in the session.

Registration closes at 9pm EST on the Thursday prior to the webinar date.

What is a RIVA Webinar?
RIVA's Webinars are live and interactive. This means that you will have the chance to have an open dialogue and ask questions of the presenter during the presentation. We do highly encourage participants to send in questions prior to the presentation, so these questions can be addressed in the presentation itself.

Registration
All registrations must be submitted no later than 9pm EST the Thursday prior to the scheduled webinar. Same day registrations will not be accepted. Register Online

Frequently Asked Questions?
Q. Will we receive a copy of the presentation afterwards?
A. Yes you will receive a copy of the presentation once you have filled out the evaluation form and emailed it to the Training Manager.

Q. Can more than one person sign-up from my company for the Webinar?
A. Yes, unlike our other public courses, there is no limit on the number of employees from one company that can register for a Webinar.

Q. How long is the Webinar?
A. RIVA's Webinars run for 90-minutes. They are typically scheduled from 12-1:30 pm EST. The earliest we have ever scheduled a webinar is 11-12:30 EST.

Q. Are your Webinars ever re-broadcasted?
A. Yes, we have had the demand to warrant a re-broadcast of a Webinar. However, not every Webinar will be re-broadcasted.

Q. If we have several people that would like to participate in a Webinar, can RIVA host a private session for us?
A. Yes, RIVA does conduct private Webinars.

Q. What is the cost of a Webinar?
A. RIVA Webinars are $95 US$ per person. We do ask that every person who will be attending the Webinar register.

Q. What do I need to have to attend a Webinar?
A. You need a computer with Internet (preferably high speed) access to view the presentation, a telephone to listen to the presentation and ask questions. We do not recommend using your computer microphone and speakers. We have found there is feedback on the line when these are used, which disturbs the presentation.
 

 

RIVA Coaching Services

RIVA Coaching services offer RIVA alumni an opportunity to continue building skills and getting professional feedback after your class - from your own home or office. Coaching services are also available to people who have very specific training needs that are not addressed in our public courses.

You and your RIVA Coach set regular telephone appointments to talk about the issues that are important to you. Appointments are typically 30 minutes in length or at a schedule that works for your convenience. They are usually held weekly, but this is based on your needs at the time. In addition to your live meetings, your RIVA Coach can review your work via videotape and documents you send.

There are many ways RIVA Coaching clients may benefit and the beauty is that it is tailored to what you need. These benefits include:

• Having the expertise of a Master Moderator as a mentor and coach to support you in achieving success
• Working with a plan that meets your needs for flexibility both in time and space. You and your coach can make appointments for daytime or evening, schedule your meetings for while you are in your office, at home, or on the road
• Selecting a coach from a qualified list of RIVA Coaches and finding a fit for your needs, both in compatible personalities and your coach's industry expertise
• Making a commitment that fits your budget and needs
• Taking advantage of discounts for longer term coaching relationships
• Knowing that all RIVA coaches are also RIVA Trainers so they know the RIVA Method
• Using your coaching time effectively to problem-solve your specific areas of interest
• Using down-time in your work to sharpen your skills and expertise
• Knowing your time with your RIVA Coach is private and the two of you are the only ones privy to your conversations
• Using a "coaching package" that will qualify as a RIVA course for those who want to use this one-on-one time as one of the course requirements for their Master Moderator Certificate.

For additional information please contact Amber Tedesco at Amber@RIVAinc.com/301.770.6456 x101 or Register Online

RIVA Custom Courses

For over 30 years, the RIVA Training Institute has been described as the "gold standard" in moderator training. RIVA classes are renowned for their experiential training conducted by skilled master moderators/trainers with over 15 years in the industry. We also have a high trainer to student ratio that supports RIVA's dedication to giving students individualized coaching that they need. Let us bring our customized training to you.

The RIVA Training Institute offers customized courses that can be conducted in-house at your office location, a facility close to you, or at our training office in Rockville, MD.

Sample training courses include:

• Fundamentals of Moderating
• Skill Acceleration
• Kid/Teen Moderating
• Cognitive Interviewing
• The Art & Science of Effective Probing
• Facilitation
• One on One Interviewing
• Ethnography
• Advanced

Why choose a custom course?

• Customized to fit your specific needs.
• Save time and dollars on employee travel by having our instructors come to you. Provides for a solid return on your training investment
• Each custom client is assigned a dedicated team of training professionals who assist with logistic management and class support
• Ensures that all staff learns the same material at the same time.
• Fosters teambuilding within your organization and/or department
• Boosts morale and illustrates to your staff that their training needs are important to you
• Gain instant credibility with your clients. RIVA is recognized for being the elite organization for qualitative training.

We are eager to discuss your custom training needs.
Contact Amber Tedesco at Amber@RIVAinc.com or 301-770-6456 x. 101.

A partial list of our custom clients:

• AstraZeneca
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Boston Scientific/Guident
• Capital One Bank
• Centex Homes
• Freddie Mac
• General Mills
• In-Sync
• Internal Revenue Service
• John Deere
• Kraft
• Levi
• Lextant
• Medtronic
• Newell Rubbermaid
• Nissan
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Social Security Administration
• Sterling Rice Group
• Walt Disney