BASES e-Panel Security and Data Quality Standards A good forecast begins with good data.  BASES e-Panel maintains strict security and fielding standards that ensure the highest data collection quality.  Click on the links below for details about our standards: Panel Recruitment Using Banner Ads Panel recruitment is conducted through a variety of rotating banner ads, which means that consumers are not able to seek out the BASES panel to sign up as members.  This practice creates a panel population that is more random and more representative of the general population accessible through the internet.  Additionally, quotas on subgroups of different demographic groups are utilized to balance the panel on an ongoing basis.  Panel members are also screened out for sensitive occupations. Emphasis on Confidentiality A confidentiality agreement is required at the front end of every e-Panel questionnaire.  Quarterly reminders of the importance of security and confidentiality are issued to all panelists participating in the panel.  Additionally, within the body of the questionnaire, a further reminder is included to reinforce security and confidentiality of all concepts and products tested.  Panelists who do not reconfirm their intent to maintain these standards are immediately dropped from the panel. Concept Exposures are Handled with Care Concept exposure materials are handled with care at every step of the research process.  Electronic watermarking of test materials enables BASES to trace all confidential documents. Ongoing Communication with Panelists Ongoing communication with panelists is maintained through a panel web site, which is the entry point for all research studies.  The home page delivers confidentiality reminders, answers to frequently asked questions, general news articles, games, and the ability to contact the panel coordinator personally through e-mail.  Strong, personalized panel relations allow BASES to keep in close touch with panelists and minimize turnover of the panel.