A QUALITATIVE MARKET RESEARCH AND TRAINING COMPANY
RIVA Webinars - Registration closes at 9pm EST the Thursday prior to the webinar. Registration Fee: $95 per person
RIVA Webinar - Topic: Seven Secrets to Writing Effective Moderator Guides Date: TBD from 12-1:30pm EST. Register Online
RIVA Webinar - Topic: Getting Below Top-of-Mind, Date: April 23, 2020 from 12-1:30pm EST. Register Online
RIVA 195 PQR, "PQR - Principles of Qualitative Research"
RIVA 195 PQR is a one day intensive and interactive seminar that is intended to provide researchers that use qualitative techniques in marketing, research, or meetings with a strong foundation in the underpinnings of qualitative research.
October 5, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 199,"Project Management & Screener Development"
RIVA 199 has been developed to help qualitative researchers to refine the administrative skills that make a project successful.
November 2, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 201,"Fundamentals of Moderating"
RIVA 201 provides an experiential training environment for students to learn about focus groups and their context of qualitative marketing research.Upcoming dates are below, please click on RIVA 201 link for additional training dates.
May 18-20, 2020 - Register Online
June 1-3, 2020 - Register Online
July 7-9, 2020 - Register Online
July 27-29, 2020 - Register Online
August 17-19, 2020 - Register Online
August 31-Sept 2, 2020 - Register Online
September 15-17, 2020 - Register Online
October 6-8, 2020 - Register Online
October 19-21, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 202,"Skill Acceleration"
RIVA 202 course provides an experiential training environment for working and experienced moderators who have not taken RIVA 201.
June 15-17, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 204,"All About Ethnography"
This course focuses on the skills needed in order to get unfiltered responses in "real time" with interviews in a home, business, or social setting.
June 22-24, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 205,"Moderating: Kid & Teen Qualitative Sessions"
Building from a moderators core strengths already established from years of experience, RIVA 205 will provide a basic understanding of how to get a strong set of insights from kids and teens with age-appropriate expectations, proper recruiting methods and child-friendly exercises to help ensure this. This is a 3-day hands-on course for experienced-to-veteran moderators who have already attended either RIVA 201, 202, or 303.
July 20-22, 2020 - Register Online . This course will have a 90-minute webinar prior approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.
RIVA 207,"Fundamentals of IDI Moderating"
Fundamentals of IDI Moderating, has been specially developed for qualitative researchers who are looking how to conduct one-on-one interviews with individuals.
February 24-26, 2020 Register Online
RIVA 221,"Principles of UX/Usability Testing & Research"
Principles of UX/Usability Research & Testing. UX/Usability research & testing leverages many of the skills qualitative researchers already have [e.g., building rapport, probing for clarity, getting below top-of-mind responses]. This 2-day in person class will show seasoned QRCs what they need to know to start incorporating usability research into their skill set.
October 26-27, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 241,"Qualitative Analysis & Reporting"
Qualitative Analysis & Reporting has been revamped and is now a 3-day training. 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. Taught by one of the founders - Naomi Henderson
August 10-12, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 242,"Qualitative Toolbox- Interventions/Projective Techniques"
A 2-day experiential course for new moderators offers a training environment for students who seek to build more complex and non-traditional moderating styles through special tools and techniques.
Date: TBD, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 303,"Advanced Moderating"
The course provides advanced moderators with a review of current skills with feedback and coaching to reach higher levels of research.
Date: TBD, 2020 - Register Online
RIVA 501 "Facilitation - Practical Tools, Tips, & Techniques" is a practical three-day course, rather than a course based on theory or academics.
July 13-15, 2020 - 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.
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
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
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
Rockville, MD
May 18-20, 2020 - Register Online
June 1-3, 2020 - Register Online
July 7-9, 2020 - Register Online
July 27-29, 2020 - Register Online
August 17-19, 2020 - Register Online
August 31-Sept 2, 2020 - Register Online
September 15-17, 2020 - Register Online
October 6-8, 2020 - Register Online
October 19-21, 2020 - 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.
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
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
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.
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]
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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!
In this webinar on guide development for qualitative market research moderators. RIVA will provide some “best practices” for creating guides that help collect qualitative information well beyond top-of-mind answers from respondents. The webinar will cover these areas:
• The role of moderator guides
• Types of guides
• Seven protocols for writing effective guides
• Guides vs. scripts – The Philosophy of Structured Improvisation
• Tools, tips, and techniques for writing guides quickly and reducing the number of revisions requested by clients.
Most moderators have techniques to get respondents to answer questions. But good moderators have an arsenal of skills and techniques to use during Qualitative Research Events [QREs] to engage respondents.
These skills and techniques allow respondents to “go deeper” and “expand on the rationales” for their choices which helps clients understand tipping points, motivators, and obstacles from the consumer perspective. The framework on which QREs rest is constructed on good questions and appropriate probes.
The best probes are the ones that get below the “shields” the respondents may have when in a discussion about products, ideas, services, or advertising. That means the moderator has to have a plethora of ways to get below “top-of-mind” responses while navigating the minefields of group think, respondent fear of ridicule, and their reservations about sharing deep thoughts in front of strangers. To aid that navigation, this webinar will present:
• What is “top-of-mind” – and what is up there?
• Probes: The Proof of a Good Moderator
• What makes a stellar probe?
• The Probe Landscape
• Useful Probes to Get Below Top-of-MindOpen Forum
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
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
RIVA's Tuition Policy: There is a $500 non-refundable deposit that is included in the course tuition. Payment is due in full at time of registration. If you are paying by company check or wire, your full payment must be received within 10 business days of registration. If you are paying by company Purchase Order (PO), please email your PO form to Training@RIVAinc.com within 5 business days of your registration. All training classes are to be paid in full prior to the start of class, unless we have received a PO and the appropriate paperwork.
If circumstances cause you to cancel or transfer out of a course 22 days or less before the start of class, all monies paid are forfeited unless you have an eligible replacement from your network to attend the date for which you are registered.
RIVA understands that schedules may cause you to transfer from one class to another. Should you need to transfer to another class, there will be a $100 transfer fee.
**Any monies returned to a credit card will incur a 4% cancellation fee.
Health and Safety for Staff, Clients, and Students
No blueprint exists to show a business how to weather the international situation that COVID-19 presents. All we can do, as people and as a business, is to honor what needs to be done to get this event into our rear-view mirror.
On the employee side, we are lucky to be a small company that is agile and can adapt to the changing situation quickly, without having to deal with layers of management and rigid policies. From the CEO down to the newest hire at RIVA, we are all hands-on: from decision-making to execution.
On that note, all RIVA staff are working from our homes to maintain the required “social distance” rules mandated by government, so feel free to call or write to us.
RIVA’s first scheduled class is April 20, 2020 in hopes the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted by that time. We will be monitoring the CDC and the WHO websites to determine what policies they are putting into place by April 1, 2020 and will communicate with students enrolled in classes after that time period.
Under Consideration
An old adage states: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Under that banner, RIVA is creating some “distance learning” models using existing platforms like “Go To Webinar” and “Zoom” so that the learning of some qualitative content can move forward with students in the safety of their own environments. As those opportunities “roll-out” in the coming weeks, we’ll be adding information on our website so students can enroll in ones of their choosing. Note: These online courses will not replace in-person training, but they do deliver key content information.
When America does a “reset” at the end of the COVID-19 situation, we’ll also list discounts for Summer 2020 classes if students enroll before May 1, 2020.
Relieving Stress – Ideas To Consider
In times like this one, a lot of information is available on the Internet and by doing some “data mining,” RIVA shares what we have found about relieving stress:
1 . Stress has a strong impact on the mind and body
2. Relieving stress means improving the body’s ability to stay healthy – mentally and physically
3. Some ways to relieve stress could include:
• taking more deep breaths – every hour
• getting more sleep
• finding ways to use time at home in productive ways [e.g., learn a new skill, read something of interest, create new recipes, sort and declutter closets, etc.,]
• delete old emails and unused apps and free up space on electronics
• redesign at home work space
• meditate
• dance as if no one is watching
• binge watch a show you have heard that others enjoyed
• regular exercise in nature
Summary
All of us at RIVA are working to stay healthy and keep a positive attitude to get us to the other side of this situation and wishing the same for our clients and students.
We are thinking creatively and strategically about how to continue to teach content in new ways – via distance learning, until the nation’s health situation is resolved.
Feel free to share your stress relief techniques with us at linda@RIVAinc.com
All public courses are held at RIVA Headquarters located just outside Washington, DC in Rockville, MD. This location is accessible to all three DC area airports (Reagan National, Washington Dulles, and BWI) as well as Union Station. Additionally, RIVA is located directly adjacent to the Twinbrook Metro Station.
Street Address:
1700 Rockville Pike, Suite 260 Rockville, MD 20852, 301-770-6456
Area Hotels
Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center
1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone: 301-468-1100
The Hilton Washington DC/Rockville, welcomes you to experience first class service and amenities when visiting RIVA for training. Located in the same building as RIVA, the commute is just an elevator away. The Hilton Rockville is a full service Hotel with many new upgrades to their rooms, restaurant/lounge, fitness facility, business center, free Wi-Fi, and a Starbucks onsite. To make reservations please click here. When booking be sure to take advantage of the RIVA Corporate Discount and free parking by using account #2663840.
EVEN Hotel Rockville
1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone: 855.TRY.EVEN
Located on Rockville Pike just 1 block from RIVA Training Institute. EVEN Hotel is the newest IHG brand focused on fitness. Offering in-room fitness zones for private workouts and the largest fitness center you will find in any hotel. The restaurant has healthy food and beverage options including made to order smoothies and Grab “n: Go meals. Be sure to take advantage of the 16% RIVA Corporate Discount off the Best Flex Rate and free parking by using account # 100301075 Rate Code: RIVA TRAINING INSTIT.
Cambria Hotel & Suites
196 East Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, MD, 20850, US PH: (301) 294-2200
Enjoy a unique experience among hotels in Rockville, MD, when you book a stay at the Cambria hotel & suites Rockville. Our hotel is just two miles from RIVA headquarters and only two blocks away from the Metrorail, providing access to Washington, D.C. and beyond. Located in the heart of Rockville Town Square, Cambria offers numerous dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. Amenities include oversized rooms that feel like an upgrade, an onsite bistro and full-service bar, and an indoor heated pool.
Bethesda North Marriott
5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, Phone: 301-822-9200
Located just one Metro Stop south of RIVA, this hotel is also very easy to commute to and from. The Marriott is a new, contemporary hotel with excellent amenities.
Health and Safety for Staff, Clients, and Students
No blueprint exists to show a business how to weather the international situation that COVID-19 presents. All we can do, as people and as a business, is to honor what needs to be done to get this event into our rear-view mirror.
On the employee side, we are lucky to be a small company that is agile and can adapt to the changing situation quickly, without having to deal with layers of management and rigid policies. From the CEO down to the newest hire at RIVA, we are all hands-on: from decision-making to execution.
On that note, all RIVA staff are working from our homes to maintain the required “social distance” rules mandated by government, so feel free to call or write to us.
RIVA’s first scheduled class is April 20, 2020 in hopes the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted by that time. We will be monitoring the CDC and the WHO websites to determine what policies they are putting into place by April 1, 2020 and will communicate with students enrolled in classes after that time period.
Under Consideration
An old adage states: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Under that banner, RIVA is creating some “distance learning” models using existing platforms like “Go To Webinar” and “Zoom” so that the learning of some qualitative content can move forward with students in the safety of their own environments. As those opportunities “roll-out” in the coming weeks, we’ll be adding information on our website so students can enroll in ones of their choosing. Note: These online courses will not replace in-person training, but they do deliver key content information.
When America does a “reset” at the end of the COVID-19 situation, we’ll also list discounts for Summer 2020 classes if students enroll before May 1, 2020.
Relieving Stress – Ideas To Consider
In times like this one, a lot of information is available on the Internet and by doing some “data mining,” RIVA shares what we have found about relieving stress:
1 . Stress has a strong impact on the mind and body
2. Relieving stress means improving the body’s ability to stay healthy – mentally and physically
3. Some ways to relieve stress could include:
• taking more deep breaths – every hour
• getting more sleep
• finding ways to use time at home in productive ways [e.g., learn a new skill, read something of interest, create new recipes, sort and declutter closets, etc.,]
• delete old emails and unused apps and free up space on electronics
• redesign at home work space
• meditate
• dance as if no one is watching
• binge watch a show you have heard that others enjoyed
• regular exercise in nature
Summary
All of us at RIVA are working to stay healthy and keep a positive attitude to get us to the other side of this situation and wishing the same for our clients and students.
We are thinking creatively and strategically about how to continue to teach content in new ways – via distance learning, until the nation’s health situation is resolved.
Feel free to share your stress relief techniques with us at linda@RIVAinc.com
RIVA Market Research was founded in 1981 by Naomi Henderson and for over 30 Years RIVA has been providing insightful and valuable qualitative research for its clients. RIVA has been a premier source for insightful and valuable qualitative research for an array of industries over the years.
As well as moderating for corporate clients, RIVA has been able to provide assistance to clients that need additional qualitative moderator's for their projects. The RIVA team of qualitative moderators includes people of Caucasian, African-American, Latino, and Asian descent.
Over the years, RIVA Market Research has assembled a staff of nationally recognized qualitative moderators, researchers, and analysts who work as a team to meet with clients to define the research project and establish objectives. We recommend suitable approaches and conduct relevant qualitative research activities, analyze results, and present comprehensive findings to clients.
RIVA Market Research provides each client with a full-time staff, including a Research Director and a Research Analyst who together manage all of the logistics to setting up and managing the facilities to providing in-depth analysis through careful review of findings.
Our mission is to conduct insightful qualitative research and translate findings into useful information that clients can trust to help them make sound, strategic decisions. To ensure that our work represents your target market accurately, RIVA Market Research adheres to rigorous qualitative research principals. Members of the RIVA team work closely with clients to focus only on outcome-oriented questions that impact the study to help uncover beliefs and perceptions that genuinely reflect respondents' opinions and to provide a safe environment to allow the respondents to express themselves candidly. This commitment allows RIVA to scrutinize preconceived notions, and investigate preliminary conclusions to reveal underlying market attitudes and likely behaviors.
Contact Amber Tedesco at Amber@RIVAinc.com or 301-770-6456 x. 101.
Focus Groups: Eight respondents meet for a single two-hour qualitative session in a mirrored research facility. They are paid for their time and a trained moderator conducts the session.
Mini-Groups and Ad Labs: Vary in time and the number of respondents. They can be one to two hour qualitative sessions are conducted by a trained Moderator with four to eight consumers who discuss issues or review a series of advertisements to determine relevance and effectiveness.
In-Depth Interviews: One-on-one qualitative interviews are conducted by a trained moderator who collects independent reactions to products, services, ads, or concepts.
Online Research: Online qualitative research (focus groups, bulletin boards, or chat rooms) are conducted via the Internet and allow for client observation. Online research is not meant to replace face-to-face research completely, it is meant to be an alternative method to reach a target population. There are several situations when on-line research is not the best option and face-to-face should be conducted. If this type of research is being considered RIVA can help you make that determination.
Ethnographic Interviews: Ethnographic interviews allow the researcher and the client to see first hand how a consumer or employee uses products and services. The collection of qualitative data in the home, office or store settings of consumers and employees provides a deeper understanding of cultural meanings and the relationship of individuals to products and services as a result of economic status, cultural heritage, belief systems, and work environments.
Facilitations: For a variety of clients, RIVA facilitates sessions, workshops, board meetings, and events. The desired outcomes are a generation of ideas/issues from a broad forum [many participants] in which the ideas and issues are created [divergent thinking] via discussion and then, via convergent thinking they are streamlined down to a set [4-10 ideas] that warrant further exploration.
Mock Juries: Respondents listen to legal arguments and case points and then vote on these points and comment on what influenced their decision. This approach helps lawyers evaluate case strategies for their clients.
Focus Panels: The same respondents attend a series of groups over a fixed time period (e.g. one year) where products or ideas are evaluated as evolutionary changes are made. Participants are paid an initially high stipend for the first session and lower fees for subsequent groups. Incentives like coupons can also be provided.
Each Qualitative Research Event involves a twelve step process. It starts with the client request, and ends with an optional client presentation, the steps in the middle progress along an 8-10 week timeline. All QRE's can be changed depending on client needs and deadlines. Here's how a typical project unfolds:
Advertising and Public Relations
• Deutsch, Inc.
• Gotham, Inc.
• MasiMax Resources, Inc.
• Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
• Porter Novelli
• Spike/DDB Needham
Associations and Non-Profits
• American Cancer Society
• Children's Defense Fund
• Food Marketing Institute
• National Affirmative Action Consortium
• National Medical Association
• National Safe Kids Campaign
Consumer Goods & Services
• Bausch & Lomb
• Coca-Cola, Inc.
• General Mills
• Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• Pepsi Co.
• Maybelline
Education
• American Council on Education
• D.C. Public Schools
• Gallaudet University
• Montgomery County Board of Education
• National Education Association
• Sylvan Educational Solutions
Financial & Real Estate Services
• Aetna, Inc.
• American Express Financial
• Legg Mason
• Centex Corporation
• NationsBank
• Salomon Smith Barney
Governmental Agencies
• Census Bureau
• U.S. Department of Education
• Internal Revenue Service
• National Crime Prevention Council
• National Institutes of Health
• U.S. Department of Labor
Health Care & Pharmaceutical Services
• Aetna
• Centers for Disease Control
• Department of Health and Human Services
• GlaxoSmithKlein
• McNeil Pharmaceutical
• Pfizer
Publishing/Media
• ABC Radio
• Black Enterprise
• Black Entertainment Television
• NBC
• Rodale Press
• USA Network
Research/Marketing Companies
• Booz Allen & Hamilton
• Equals Three Communication
• Lake Sosin Research
• Mathematic Policy Research
• Public Opinion Strategies
• Wirthlin Worldwide
Telecommunications & Technology
• AOL
• AT&T
• New York Telephone(NYNYX)
• Sprint
• Verizon
• Bell Atlantic
Transportation & Automotive
• Department of Transportation
• The Honda Corporation of America
• Maryland Department of Transportation
• National Highway Traffic Safety Commission
• New York City Port Authority
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Focus Groups
Nova Skin Care Systems
Research Problem: While there are hundreds of home skin care and cleansing systems on the market, most are applied to the skin directly by hand or cloth. Estheticians and other skin care professionals may use very expensive cleansing machines to achieve deeper, more effective cleansing, but these are not typically available to the consumer.
Research Wrinkle: In the retail market there are only a few cleansing appliances available for home use, but almost all of them provide cleansing by the action of spinning brush heads. Sometimes these can irritate or damage sensitive skin. Valcent, the maker of the Nova Skin Care System wanted to know if upscale consumers would be interested in a new style of hand-held cleansing appliance that cleans and moisturizes by a supersonic pulsing action rather than a circular brushing motion and if consumers perceive this as a significant advantage for the product.
Research Process: Focus groups with affluent women who purchase a variety of skin cleansing and skin care products were conducted to assess interest in the product and obtain reactions to proposed packaging.
Key Research Finding: The prototype and the packaging options garnered a highly favorable response from respondents and supported the perception the product would be likely to fill the gap between regular salon facials and current home cleansing options.
Business Decision: To expand product production and marketing plans for distribution in upscale department stores.
Mock Jury
Beech Aircraft
Research Problem: Beech Aircraft has been making small aircraft for private pilots for decades. They have a high safety record and their products are well liked. From time to time, however, they are the subject of lawsuits over issues related to assignment of responsibility when airplane design is deemed to be a factor in a crash.
Research Wrinkle: For an upcoming lawsuit case in Federal court, which strategy should Beech take as the defendant side of the case?
Research Process: A series of "mock juries" with citizens very much like the ones that will be jurors in the actual case. Mock Jury #1 hears strategy #1 and the "deliberations" are viewed by the lawyers through a one-way mirror to determine what evidentiary elements created the verdict reached. Mock Jury #2 hears strategy #2 and the process is repeated. The lawyers can then decide which approach will create a significant chance for winning the case.
Key Research Finding: One of the strategies worked better than another to reach the verdict desired by the lawyers. That is the route they chose to present in Federal court and Beech won the case, avoiding a payout of millions of dollars in settlements.
Note: The case hinged around whether the pilot ignored six warnings by Beech to retrofit specific safety materials. The actual jury indicated that it was not the responsibility of a company to call each of its 56,000 customers to see if they complied, the responsibility was to insure that the warnings had been received.
Business Decision: Based on the success of the "Mock Jury" process, Beech has determined that they are an important research tool when the outcome of a case cannot be predicted on the face of the evidence.
IDI's, Dyads, Triads, and Focus Groups
McNeil Pharmaceuticals
Research Problem: In the United States, over 70,000 people of African American and Middle East descent are living with Sickle Cell Disease, an inherited disorder of the red blood cells that makes them shaped differently and function not as well as typical red blood cells. The name comes from the characteristic shape of the dehydrated red blood cell as they collapse into crescent shapes and clog up the blood flow to different parts of the body. When these backups of cells occur, there is often intense pain and weakness in the patient called ?pain crises? and hospitalization is required along with potent pain killers. There is no known cure for the disease so far and the average life span is in the mid forties.
Research Wrinkle: Frequency of pain crises can be as seldom as once or twice a year. However, others may suffer the pain crises as often as once or twice a month. Hospitals often mislabel these patients as ?drug seekers? and may refuse to offer the proper pain medication without a lengthy delay. There is very little medication available that can improve the body?s ability to manufacture healthy red blood cells and alleviate the pain crises. McNeil wanted to know more about the daily life of sickle cell sufferers and obtain feedback to a new medication being developed.
Research Process: Qualitative research in the form of individual (IDI), dyad and triad interviews, along with focus groups were conducted with individuals with sickle cell disease to create a better understanding of issues in daily life and obtain reaction to the product concept.
Key Research Finding: McNeil Pharmaceuticals developed a greater understanding of the effects of pain crises on the day-to-day lives of respondents and a unanimously favorable reaction to the concept of the new medication.
Business Decision: Continue with clinical trials to prepare this product for the market.
Focus Groups
Kimberly Clark Corporation
Research Problem: Kimberly Clark had created a new "disposable fabric" from the by-products of producing consumer paper products. The "fabric" was discovered by accident [much the same way Post-its were discovered by accident when the incorrect glue was used as an adhesive]. Now that KCC had this "fabric," they needed a use for it. Engineers and market researchers inside of the company could not agree on the best way to use the material, so it was decided to test it with consumers.
Research Wrinkle: Past research had indicated that the need for "disposable clothes" was currently limited to the health care industry and that there wasn't much "need" for disposable clothing items among general consumers, so the problem was finding a target market that could use the "fabric."
Research Process: Six focus groups with homeless men and women to see if they could find a use for the "fabric".
Key Research Finding: Yes, the homeless "community" could find a practical use for the "fabric" and, in fact, determined six different ways the product would be useful to them and to the organizations that serve the homeless.
Business Decision: KCC manufactured items from the "fabric" and made donations of the materials created to a number of social service agencies
We are excited to announce the release of the third edition of Secrets of a Master Moderator. The reader will find eight new articles, a glossary of terms and an index. This book spans nearly 35 years of Naomi's experiences as a moderator and a trainer of qualitative researchers. It covers a full range of QRE's [Qualitative Research Events] from IDIs to extended groups.
There are tools, tips, and techniques for moderators who run the gamut from novice to seasoned and it grapples with knotty questions and concerns that affect those working in market research environments.
RIVA TRAINING INSTITUTE
Through courses, workshops and seminars based on proven QLMR methodologies RIVA will strengthen and support the personal, intrinsic and professional skills of those engaged in market and social research. We are committed to raising and maintaining high professional standards in the qualitative research industry.
Training qualitative researchers since 1982.
RIVA MARKET RESEARCH
RIVA conducts insightful qualitative market research to discover and understand perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes from target markets. RIVA translates findings into information that clients can trust and use to make sound decisions.
Qualitative methodology specialists since 1981
2019 - Facebook Live Events
As part of RIVA’s commitment to helping the qualitative market research field continue to grow, we are offering a new Facebook Live series called #AskaRIVATrainer. In this series, we are bringing the expertise of our phenomenal trainers straight to your phone or computer screen! If you’ve ever had a burning question about qualitative market research, now’s your opportunity to ask!
Each Facebook Live event will be hosted on our Facebook page and a call for questions will go up on our social media platforms two weeks prior to the event. [Don’t forget to like/follow the page while you’re there to stay up-to-date!] The live event will take place at 1pm EST on the dates listed below.
QRCA Meeting – New York Metro Chapter
Friday, October 11th, the New York Metro Chapter will be presenting a virtual, online moderating course. They describe it as “a solid overview of moderating including tips and tricks using real life examples. Learn from the best QRCs in the business [including DC’s own Naomi Henderson!] in this intense speed session covering study design to reporting. Each session is 20 minutes with 10 mins for Q&A.” Check out the QRCA page for more information and to register: QRCA page
QRCA Meeting – DC Chapter
Friday, November 1, will be 2019’s last DC Chapter meeting! Held at RIVA in Rockville, MD, this meeting will be a workshop format where participants discuss how they would tackle some common (and not-so-common) qual research problems. More details are below, so don’t forget to register on the QRCA site QRCA page
And if you have any problems or qual quandaries you’d like to discuss, bring them to the meeting or email them to us beforehand!
QRCA Meeting – DC Chapter
Monday, November 18, the Quirks Marketing Research & Insight Excellence awards will be held in New York City. Naomi Henderson is nominated for Research of the Year, and this black-tie affair will be held at the Edison Ballroom near Times Square. More info and tickets are available on the Quirks site: Quriks page
QRCA Events
QRCA DC Chapter Meeting - Creative Interventions and Projective Techniques – Getting Below Top-of-Mind and Out of the Box
QRCA DC Chapter Meeting - Lessons Learned from Leading over 20,000 Qualitative Research Events: A panel of seasoned moderators will discuss common challenges and strategies for success
Barbara Gassaway, Sandra Kluttz, and Jo Ann Hairston will discuss issues including:
• Working Effectively With Clients - Finding & Keeping Them
• Shortcuts to Guide Development
• Probing to Get Below Top-of-Mind Answers
• Secrets to Writing Effective Reports
Click here to register via QRCA website.
QRCA SIG Webinar
Naomi Henderson was to give a 75-minute webinar to the QRCA SIG members in April 2018 on Ethnography. Per the request of the participants, the session ran more than 2-hours because they were so engaged. Some quotes from the members who participated in the webinar:
• "We're still here because we love Naomi"
• "Thanks to all-this was awesome learning & INSPIRATION"
• "Thank you Naomi for your generosity and knowledge! Always a delight"
• "Thank you Naomi and Isabel for this great overview. It was very through and helpful!"
• "Thanks so much Naomi and Isabel! This was wonderful!"
Benefits of Moderator Training
RIVA Training Institute has trained a number of Fors Marsh employees over the years. An article has been written about the benefits of being a trained moderator vs a non-trained moderator in the qualitative research field. Click here to review.
QRCA Podcast
Naomi Henderson was interviewed by Patricia Sabena during a QRCA Podcast on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 10:30am EDT regarding the third edition of Secrets of a Master Moderator. Pat focused on the "themes" of the third edition. Issues that were covered are:
• Section about "Best Practices for Vested Moderators" & the reason Naomi felt it was necessary to include.
• Key pieces of advice for "vested" moderators.
• What makes a question leading and how both new and seasoned moderators can avoid this pitfall?
• Section on "Hot Notes", Naomi's discipline and techniques about Hot Notes and the reason they are so helpful in analysis.
Click here to review.
Minnesota Chapter QRCA-speaking Engagement - February 27, 2015
The QRCA DC Chapter was honored to have Naomi Henderson, the research industry guru, speak at their upcoming meeting. The topic of discussion is "How QRCs and Clients Can Get the Most Out of Working with Each Other."
For more information you can contact Elaine Gingold at Elgingold@aol.com
Washington DC QRCA-speaking Engagement - June 22, 2012
The QRCA DC Chapter was honored to have Naomi Henderson, the research industry guru, speak at their recent meeting. This was by far our most well-attended event ever! Naomi's passion is contagious, as is the confidence she imparts to use her knowledge within your own skill set or comfort zone. Members enjoyed tangible tips, practical advice, and anecdotal uses for a plethora of practice-enhancing content. Naomi's gracious demeanor and the wisdom she so selflessly shares and ignites an enthusiasm to go forth and do!
Naomi shared just a few insights, more of which are revealed in Secrets of a Master Moderator. Great book - a must-read for all moderators!
Barbara Gassaway, QRCA DC Chapter Chair
QRCA Podcast
Naomi Henderson will be interviewed by Kay Aubrey during a QRCA Podcast on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 2pm EST. Questions that will be covered are:
• What were some of the reasons that you wrote "Secrets of a Master Moderator"?
• What is mastery and how does it apply to our work as moderators?
• How can a moderator keep his/her work fresh?
• How have the students in RIVA courses changed in the last 30 years?
• How do you see traditional face to face moderating skills fitting into new research methods that are based on new technologies such as social media listening and mobile research?
• Do you see new opportunities where moderators can apply their skills?
• What is the best way for an independent moderator to differentiate him or herself?
Click here to review.
Secrets of a Master Moderator Book Review - Quirks Magazine
Joe Rydholm editor at Quirks Magazine writes an article about Naomi Henderson's book Secrets of a Master Moderator
Click Quirks to read full review.
Philadelphia/Delaware Valley QRCA - Friday, September 16, 2011
In September 2011, the Philadelphia Chapter of the QRCA was delighted to feature Naomi Henderson as the guest speaker for their quarterly meeting. Naomi's presentation was inspired by her recent publication, Secrets of a Master Moderator. In addition to being the Master Moderator, Naomi is also a gifted storyteller. She used a blend of personal experiences and colorful examples to speak about what mastery is (and is not). For many attendees, the intentionally lengthy Q&A was the highlight of the presentation. Naomi addressed a range of questions on topics from projective techniques to what advice 'Master Moderator Naomi' would give to 'Just Starting Out Naomi' with a hearty dose of anecdotes from her decades of experience. As a result of her animated and engaging speaking style, the only negative feedback we received was that our time with her was too short! On our feedback form, we ask chapter members to list two things that they will remember from the meeting. In addition to concrete "tips and tricks" to incorporate into their own moderating, many noted how much fun they had at the presentation. Thank you, Naomi!
Sara Tax
Karchner Marketing Research
Naomi Henderson opened RIVA in 1981 and is its CEO, directing policy and procedures for two divisions: Research and Training. She is co-founder of the RIVA Training Institute, where she serves as a Master Trainer writing curriculum for public and custom courses and fulfilling her dream to leave the industry in better shape than when she entered, by training researchers in the art and science of rigorous qualitative research techniques. Naomi has been a researcher since 1964, and has led more than 6,000 focus groups and interviewed more than 60,000 people in groups or individually and is a nationally recognized Master Moderator. She is most responsible for the well earned phrase sought after by moderators and potential clients alike: "RIVA Trained Moderator".
Naomi holds a M. Ed. and a B.S. in Education and Psychology from American University. She is a licensed practitioner of NeuroLinguistic Programming [NLP] - a tool that accelerates the collection of behavioral data. As well, she is a certified Master Coach and has earned certificates of completion from Synectics, and the Creative Problem Solving Institute. She is a guest lecturer at George Washington University, Georgetown University and Hood College.
She is a frequent contributor to Quirk's Market Research Journal on issues related to qualitative research as well as, written for, "Reflections," for the American Marketing Association Journal of Marketing Research. She has been quoted in American Demographics, Forbes and the New York Times. Appearances on TV include CBS Evening News, PBS Health Week, and NBC Dateline.
She is a member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) as well as the chair for the MD/DC Chapter.
Naomi enjoys reading fiction, writing poetry, creating crafts such as making jewelry & greeting cards.
The work Jo Ann does for RIVA is diverse. She works in both the Research and the Training division, shifting hats with ease. As a researcher she is - assigned to focus group projects that range from medical issues to health and beauty aids and from politics to new products. After leading more than 3,200 groups, and earning the title Master Moderator, Jo Ann helps clients access POBAs [Perceptions, Opinions, Beliefs and Attitudes] from respondents that range from homemakers to the homeless and from ages 7 to 97.
As a Co-Founder of the RIVA Training Institute she serves as a Master Trainer and developer of the framework and curriculum for both standard courses and custom courses designed to meet the needs of clients in a variety of industries. She is a credentialed Master Coach for Qualitative Researchers, as well as, individuals transitioning from one career to another.
Amber is COO as well as the Executive Director of Training and Research. Amber is the first point of contact for research clients and companies seeking information to help craft custom courses to meet internal needs. She is responsible for the strategy, planning and management of all research projects from proposal through the final report. That means being deeply involved with clients from first request to research methodology and scheduling and logistics and steering them through the planning process so their objectives can be achieved.
In her role as the Executive Director of Training, she works with clients to create custom courses for their staff members. She also manages the multiple open courses held at RIVA headquarters in Rockville, MD. Amber is a RIVA trained Moderator, Coach and a Research Analyst, giving her the ability to participate as a researcher on projects; write reports; and shepherd projects thought the RIVA 12-Step research process.
In addition to her experience at RIVA since 1998, her completion of the following RIVA courses is the platform for the standard of excellence she offers RIVA's clients:
As Senior Training & Research Coordinator, Linda is responsible for the enrollment process of RIVA students for the courses/workshops offered at the Institute. Her enthusiasm, organization, and commitment to RIVA's students make the enrollment process as individually attentive as the experiential training that makes RIVA training courses unique.
By taking the fundamentals of moderating course herself she not only speaks about the course as an opportunity for those calling for information, but from insight based on her experience as a student of the RIVA Method. In addition to working as the Senior Training & Research Coordinator, Linda also oversees the recruitment of respondents for the experiential portion of the RIVA workshops where students practice on recruited respondents as part of their training.
Before joining RIVA in 2014, Linda worked in event marketing and social media marketing in New York City. Her position at RIVA allows her to pursue her interests in administration and event planning.
Romaine has several hats she wears for RIVA one of which is a Master Coach for the training classes that are offered. She works closely with the students, guiding and supporting their learning.
Prior to her experience at RIVA, Romaine led seminars for hundreds of people in group settings, as well as individuals in accessing areas of possibility within themselves, she brings a deep sense of integrity to her work and supports staff and clients alike in mastering win/win principles.
Romaine enjoys traveling, attending live theater, the opera, and loves throwing and cooking for dinner parties with her friends.
Bonnie is the Bookkeeper and Human Resource Manager at RIVA. She brings over 25 years of experience working for private industry in the fields of bookkeeping, office management, and human resource development. Bonnie is responsible for the day to day financial responsibilities including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable , Payroll, and Fiscal Reporting. She also runs the Human Resources department.
Bonnie enjoys reading historical novels and cooking, especially creating her own recipes!
As Associate Project Coordinator, Brittany works to ensure that each student has the best possible experience during their time at RIVA. Brittany prepares the administrative materials for all in-house training courses, custom courses, special projects, and research projects. Additionally, she manages the day-to-day logistics for each class meeting the needs of the trainer and students.
Brittany joined the RIVA team in 2017 after graduating from McDaniel College in 2015. Prior to joining the RIVA team, she worked in the marketing and customer service industry in both Maryland and Chicago.
Brittany enjoys writing, reading, travelling, and playing with her two cats (Selene and Smoke) during her time away from the office.
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RIVA Training Institute uses a secure third-party registration system for class purposes. We only have access to the information that you have provided for us via your registration.
At no point, nor at any time, does RIVA sell your information to a third party.
In order to register for a RIVA course, you must complete the registration form, providing us with certain information such as: name, email address, contact number, etc. At no point, nor at any time, will we share this information with anyone else. The information provided is solely used for registration purposes and to keep an historical records of all enrollments for planning purposes. The same holds true for respondents that register on our website or with our Recruiter for research. We may use the information provided to contact you regarding additional classes (per your request), programs, or changes to this privacy policy.
Your Access to and Control Over Information
You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via our contact page or emailing Training:
See what data we have about you, if any. Change/correct any data we have about you. Have us delete any data we have about you. Express any concern you have about our use of your data.
Security
We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline.
When you register for a course or register as a respondent on our website, your information is transmitted to us in a secure manner using a third-party registration system that encrypts the transmission.
While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing, course coordination, etc.) are granted access to personally identifiable information. In further attempts to ensure our students' and respondents' privacy, all staff have completed a Non-Disclosure agreement.
The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.
If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately via telephone at 301-770-6456 or emailing Training.
All public courses are held at RIVA Headquarters located just outside Washington, DC in Rockville, MD. This location is accessible to all three DC area airports (Reagan National, Washington Dulles, and BWI) as well as Union Station. Additionally, RIVA is located directly adjacent to the Twinbrook Metro Station.
Street Address:
1700 Rockville Pike, Suite 260 Rockville, MD 20852, 301-770-6456
Area Hotels
Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center
1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone: 301-468-1100
The Hilton Washington DC/Rockville, welcomes you to experience first class service and amenities when visiting RIVA for training. Located in the same building as RIVA, the commute is just an elevator away. The Hilton Rockville is a full service Hotel with many new upgrades to their rooms, restaurant/lounge, fitness facility, business center, free Wi-Fi, and a Starbucks onsite. To make reservations please click here. When booking be sure to take advantage of the RIVA Corporate Discount and free parking by using account #2663840.
EVEN Hotel Rockville
1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone: 855.TRY.EVEN
Located on Rockville Pike just 1 block from RIVA Training Institute. EVEN Hotel is the newest IHG brand focused on fitness. Offering in-room fitness zones for private workouts and the largest fitness center you will find in any hotel. The restaurant has healthy food and beverage options including made to order smoothies and Grab “n: Go meals. Be sure to take advantage of the 16% RIVA Corporate Discount off the Best Flex Rate and free parking by using account # 100301075 Rate Code: RIVA TRAINING INSTIT.
Cambria Hotel & Suites
196 East Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, MD, 20850, US PH: (301) 294-2200
Enjoy a unique experience among hotels in Rockville, MD, when you book a stay at the Cambria hotel & suites Rockville. Our hotel is just two miles from RIVA headquarters and only two blocks away from the Metrorail, providing access to Washington, D.C. and beyond. Located in the heart of Rockville Town Square, Cambria offers numerous dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. Amenities include oversized rooms that feel like an upgrade, an onsite bistro and full-service bar, and an indoor heated pool.
Bethesda North Marriott
5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, Phone: 301-822-9200
Located just one Metro Stop south of RIVA, this hotel is also very easy to commute to and from. The Marriott is a new, contemporary hotel with excellent amenities.
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