Primary Research and GDPR Compliance

About this course

This course is for anyone looking to build foundational skills in conducting professional, ethical, and effective primary research. In today’s data-driven world, knowing how to gather original insights is a critical capability, but it must be done correctly and responsibly. This course provides a clear, actionable framework for success. You will begin by mastering the five essential stages of the primary research process—from defining a clear research problem to analyzing and reporting your findings. You will then focus on one of the most critical aspects of modern data collection: legal and ethical compliance. You will learn the core principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and gain hands-on experience applying a standardized consent form to ensure your data capture methods are transparent, ethical, and legally sound, particularly when engaging with EU respondents. Through real-world case studies from market leaders like Procter & Gamble and cautionary tales like Coca-Cola's "New Coke" failure, this course bridges theory and practice. You'll complete practical exercises, including designing research outlines and building compliant consent flows, equipping you with the confidence and tools to conduct primary research that drives informed business decisions while building trust with your audience.

Course objectives

• build foundational skills in primary research
• ensure ethical and legal compliance in data collection