As a newer moderator, it can be challenging to figure out what your body and mental capacity is for long-haul projects. Sometimes, doing multiple groups, IDIs, or other qualitative research events (QREs) can be hard on you. It’s important to come to every QRE with the same energy, no matter if it’s the first or the seventeenth.
While not every suggestion below will work for every moderator, it’s a good list to get you started thinking about what might work to help manage your body.
- Build breaks into your schedule.
Even if those breaks are ten minutes, ensure that you aren’t doing too many QREs back-to-back-to-back. It can really cost you body dollars. Those mental breaks are crucial to your moderating.
Remember, if you are scheduling your QREs back–to-back there is no way you will always start on time, as there is no transition time-built in. - On breaks, even short ones, go to the restroom and “wash off” the last session by washing your hands.
Sometimes, I like to splash my face if I can, just give a quick refresh. - While on breaks, avoid going into the backroom/conversing with Clients about the last session.
This can be taxing mentally, as you’re often asked for analysis. Take a full mental break during the time you have. - Breath work/Meditate.
If meditation is your thing, go for it. It doesn’t often work for me, but I find breath work to be helpful. - Avoid heavy foods.
You know your body best. If you know a certain type of food will make you sleepy [for me that’s pasta – as much as I love it] then avoid those foods at meal times. It often benefits Moderators to eat something with protein that it also light. - Hydrate – often.
Make sure you have enough water – whether it’s flavored water or plain water – that will help you stay at your best. - Know your own limits.
It behooves you to know what your body can do and for how long. For some, you might be able to do five or six IDIs back-to-back with shorter breaks; for others, that may not work. Work with your Client to prevent fatigue for you and them.
It’s important to remember that in order to perform your best, you need to listen to your body so you can get the best results for your Client.
Written by: Brittany Mohammed, Qualitative Training & Research Specialist