Is market research just about manipulating the public? asks House of Commons debate

Date: 10 March 2009

“We are subjected to a barrage of bogus facts, rigged figures, distorted evidence and tedious platitudes in newspapers and on television, all of it masquerading as news. Undoubtedly, some market researchers do good work, but often research, particularly deliberative research, is being used to manipulate rather than inform the public.” These are the views of leading social commentator and Guardian columnist Ben Goldacre, who will lead a controversial public debate on the role market research plays in influencing public opinion, at the House of Commons next Monday 16 March.

Sponsored by The Market Research Society (MRS), the debate will see Ben and his colleague David Walker, former editor of the Guardian’s Public Magazine, go head to head with Ipsos Mori’s Managing Director of Public Affairs, Ben Page, and Andrew Hawkins, Chief Executive of ComRes.

Organised by the Debating Group, the latest in a series of controversial MRS debates at the House of Commons is set to attract delegates from the fields of market, social and opinion research, advertising, direct marketing and public affairs. As the debate over the misuse of data by both businesses and the Government rages on, this debate will examine both sides of the story in what promises to be a heated discussion.

Jennie Beck, MRS’ representative on the Debating Group, argues: “Deliberative research has been accused of manipulating public opinion on high level issues and of harming not only the public, but the research industry as a whole. However, it is an undeniable fact that we need it to get to the heart of complex policy issues, even if this sometimes means treading on the toes of objectivity. This forum will provide us with fascinating new insights and lead us to consider whether perhaps transparency, not objectivity, should be the guiding principles of good research.”

Admission to the debate is by prior arrangement only. Media wishing to attend should contact Emily Luscombe or Maja Rode from the MRS press office on 020 7636 7366 or email eluscombe@camarguepr.com / mrode@camarguepr.com. The debate will begin at 6.15am at the House of Commons in Westminster.

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For more information on MRS and its activities, please visit its website at www.mrs.org.uk or call the MRS press officer Emily Luscombe on 020 7636 7366 / email eluscombe@camarguepr.com

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