Mktg. Inc.'s Grand Mean™ Certification Program Declares SSI Panel Results are 'Spot On'

SHELTON, Conn., March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mktg. Inc. has evaluated the Survey Sampling International (SSI) panels in the US and select European countries through its Grand Mean™ Project—the world's largest and most inclusive online sample assessment. The Grand Mean™ Project is conducted in 35 countries with more than 200 panels, creating an unprecedented view of the sample universe. Mktg. Inc. President and CEO Steve Gittelman declared the SSI results are "spot on," coming close to the buying behavior segmentations of the Grand Mean™ in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the US.

"I don't know what SSI is doing, but, whatever it is, it's working," says Gittelman. "I can't believe how perfectly the SSI results line up with the Grand Mean™ in all four countries. It almost doesn't seem possible to produce data that matches so exactly—yet SSI has done it! I applaud SSI for its continued commitment to testing its US and European markets for consistency."

"For 34 years, SSI has been dedicated to advancing the science of sampling—and we are gratified to see our Grand Mean™ results reflect our unwavering commitment to methodological excellence," says Kees de Jong, SSI's CEO. "We are thrilled to see our metrics so closely matching the industry mean—but we are not resting on our laurels. We are continuing to invest in 'research on research' to drive continual improvements in sample quality and survey design. In addition, we support Steve in his efforts to help the industry meet the challenges of consistency and quality through the Grand Mean™ Project."

About Survey Sampling International

Survey Sampling International (www.surveysampling.com) is the premier global provider of sampling solutions for survey research. SSI reaches respondents in 72 countries via Internet, telephone and mobile/wireless. Value-add services include questionnaire design consultation, programming and hosting, and data processing. SSI serves more than 2,000 clients, including 48 of the top 50 research organizations. Founded in 1977, SSI has 17 offices in 15 countries.

About the Grand Mean™ Project…

Since the fourth quarter of 2007, Sample Source Auditors®, a division of Mktg. Inc., has been conducting the Grand Mean™ Project, the world's most extensive study of global online sample sources. Creating an unparalleled overview of the online sample universe, the Project tests more than 200 sample sources across 35 countries regularly for consistency. It also performs a separate tracking study using a specially adapted quality metric questionnaire. Through it s efforts, Mktg. Inc seeks to bring clarity to those companies working to meet the challenges of sample quality and consistency.

SOURCE Survey Sampling International (SSI)