PermissionResearch operates an Internet research panel that supports one of the nation’s leading market research companies. Our goal is to help companies understand Internet trends and patterns. Just as the television industry uses rating services to determine which are the most watched programs — and to affect the shows and commercials that air — the Internet community relies on services like PermissionResearch to understand the likes and dislikes of Internet users to make informed business decisions. Because of this reliance, PermissionResearch panelists can actually influence the information and services that are available on the Internet, and the manner in which that information and those services are presented.

In order to participate in this research community, we ask that you install software on your computer. This software installation contains two components. The first component consists of a screensaver or other software offering that is chosen by the PermissionResearch member. The second component consists of research software, which monitors the community member’s Internet activity, allowing PermissionResearch to develop an understanding of how they and the members of their household use the Internet. In addition, PermissionResearch may occasionally invite its members to participate in online surveys that are designed to help companies understand their attitudes and interests on a wide variety of topics not necessarily related to their Internet activities. Participation in these surveys is optional.

Member Internet usage information and survey results are used together with information from millions of other Internet research panel members to create research reports on Internet trends and e-commerce activities. These results are regularly quoted by leading news organizations such as MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fox News, etc. Click here to see examples of the types of reports powered by PermissionResearch members.

In no event do our research reports contain your personal, identifiable information. Our reports provide analyses on commercial trends that help a wide variety of companies decide how to (i) modify their online services and offerings; (ii) make more effective use of online data to understand both online and offline consumer behavior; and (iii) discern general economic trends and the business performance of companies. Or simply put, your input helps improve the Internet for everyone. It’s anonymous, safe and easy.