Stats & Storylines

Today, a second Snapshot from Wakefield Research’s survey for Hunter PR and Turning Leaf Wine appeared on the front page of USA Today.  The combination of Hunter’s excellent pitch and Wakefield’s recipe for a newsworthy questionnaire gets results.

Wakefield Research has analyzed hundreds of Snapshots to develop the key make-up of a newsworthy stat.  Are you wondering about the ideal question length?  How many response options you should include?  Wakefield understands the “Science Behind the Snapshot” and recently released findings from our comprehensive analysis. 

Thursday’s USA Today Life section Snapshot featured data from Wakefield Research's and MWW’s survey for BMW - our second Snapshot in 2 days.

Having two snapshots in two days is no easy feat, but it's not uncommon at Wakefield.  Our editorial panel of journalists and public opinion experts take a unique, scientific approach to surveys that drive top-tier media hits for our clients. Combine a Wakefield stat with expert outreach (thanks MWW) and you get results.

We will soon be releasing findings from our thorough analysis of over 1,000 Snapshots, keep checking back or contact us for more information on "The Secret Science Behind the Snapshot."

Wakefield Research and Hunter PR recently conducted a survey for Turning Leaf Wine - and media took notice. Tuesday's front page USA Today Snapshot featured data from the Turning Leaf survey. 

It's easy to get results when savvy polling is combined with expert media outreach.  Wakefield is the only research firm that takes a scientific approach to garnering media hits for our clients. Through a comprehensive analysis of 1000s of USA Today Snapshots, we've learned how to increase your chances for coverage by this coveted target. 

In the coming weeks, Wakefield will be releasing some of these findings in our report, "The Secret Science Behind the Snapshot."  Keep checking back or contact us for more information. 

There’s been a steady drumbeat of consumer media coverage about Americans’ salt intake this summer.  Just this week The Wall Street Journal reported that the federal government reduced the recommended salt intake by 800 milligrams – from the current limit of 2,300 milligrams. 

According to a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research for Mrs. Dash, all the media attention in the world won’t be enough to change America’s salt habits.  The salt story won't be going away anytime soon.

Despite the fact that many foods, especially packaged and meats, already have salt included, half (50%) of Americans are automatically adding salt to their food before even tasting it. 

Recently, USA Today reported that excessive salt intake occurs before Americans even lift the shaker. Packaged foods and restaurant foods are already high in salt.  According to the survey, more than half of Americans (54%) check for calorie counts in their foods, but only 39% pay attention to the sodium levels on the labels of the foods they eat.

Although we are nearing the finish line of summer, there is no reason to sacrifice all remnants of easy summer livin’. 

A survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Turning Leaf wine and Hunter PR suggests partnering a take-out meal with a bottle of wine as a reprieve from the work-week grind.

Trying to impress even in a casual setting?  A little white lie (perhaps with a little white wine) never hurt anyone. 

In fact, 34% of people admit to having passed off takeout food as home-cooked at some point.  When it comes to finding the ideal liquid companion, 29% of respondents list merlot as a favorite red and 28% list chardonnay as their top white. 

Whether you have summer days full of leisure or summer days full of reminiscing about summer days full of leisure – there is always a quick way to uncork some late-summer fun.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Survey May Provide More Questions Than Answers

Yesterday, the Pentagon released a survey to troops in an attempt to gauge attitudes on the implications of a repeal of the current 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Regardless of your opinion of the policy, the survey's methodology may raise significant questions about the validity of their data.  It is also instructive for any company or employer hoping to use survey research to inform personnel policies. 

The predictably tight-lipped Pentagon has offered sparse detail on the methodology of this study, acknowledging that there are to be 400,000 respondents. They survey comprises approximately 100 questions, and they claim that there is an anonymous way for gay and lesbian servicemen and women to provide their thoughts on military life.

In that word – anonymity – lies the kicker. Among the major details left unconfirmed by officials is whether the survey was outsourced to a third party or managed internally. For the sake of returning accurate data, let’s hope they've enlisted the expertise of a third party research firm.

When significant, fundamental changes are being considered in a work environment, it is a good idea to first gauge employee reaction. This process seems easy enough, but when an employer wields intimidating power, concerns understandably emerge over the level of candor and honest disclosure by respondents.  For this reason, it's crucial that these types of surveys are managed by an independent third-party. 

In the case at hand, it would appear that the Pentagon is potentially mishandling this survey. In fact, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is currently advising troops against responding to the survey on grounds that there is potential for being inadvertently “outed” and no promised immunity in that event.

A great joke has got to be floating around in the ether right now about fielding a survey on something called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but at this point there is little humor to be found. The Pentagon is asking. Will troops tell? 

Ah June, the peak of “wedding season.” A couple’s wedding day is an occasion they hope to remember for years to come. Unfortunately, a perfect day isn’t always in the cards for the lovebirds.

As it turns out, a recent Wakefield Research poll found that barely half of weddings go over perfectly (51%). Disasters range from a drunken or inappropriate toast (26%) to a fight between guests (23%) to a public argument between the bride and groom (6%).

Worst case scenario, if you attend enough weddings odds are in your favor that you will eventually witness someone getting left at the altar. It happens once in every 25 weddings (4%).

Maybe married couples are unrealistic when it comes to wedding planning.  7 in 10 Americans think that the bride and groom should agree on everything. It’s likely going to be the 22% of men who said that the bride should get the last word on the wedding plans that will live to see their 50th wedding anniversary. 

If you’re attending a wedding as a guest (or always a bridesmaid and never a bride), feel free to skip the registry and just look in your wallet for the gift. Only 14% would say it’s tacky to give cash as a wedding gift. 

When it’s time to get your boogey on, hope that the bride and groom blacklist those unbearable songs you can never seem to escape. 68% have a song they dread at weddings with the worst varying from “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC, and “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.  

As a side note, the 13% of Americans who chose to blacklist, “Don’t Stop Believin” must be punished.

Remember last year when dad’s face lit up as you bestowed upon him the most prodigious wrench set ever assembled? How well do you know his poker face? At the risk of being the bearer of bad news, nearly half (46%) of dads admit pretending to like a gift at some point. 

A recent Wakefield research study covered by the AP and commissioned by Western Union and MS&L confirms that pleasing the old man this Father’s Day may not be as easy as you had previously thought. 

Still skeptical? Buy him the boxed set of Sex and the City and don’t be surprised when he whips up a Cosmo just for appearances. Fathers are naturals at masking disappointment for the sake of their children’s self-esteem. It’s part of the job description.

Don’t panic if you are reeling in the wake of this revelation. 34% of dads have a gift in mind that is one-size fits all, won’t hook its way into a water hazard, and doesn’t leave an overwhelmingly musky trail in its wake. Nope, not a Snuggie. We’re talking greenbacks.

Sure, you might say, money is safe but too impersonal for a gift to dad. I’m sure he didn’t think it was impersonal when he was cutting off checks for your tuition payments. 

To read more about the survey, check out the AP article here.