Abstract:

This paper explores the relationship between the research industry and its primary source of data the general public. Drawing on evidence from a variety of sources the paper suggests that to ensure that we obtain and continue to obtain high quality data the industry needs to be aware that it is making considerable increasingly unwelcome and perhaps unreasonable demands on its respondents and should change its procedures accordingly. Suggestions are made for ways in which the situation might be improved and the importance of research to the economic and social health of society is emphasised.