Respondent

Respondent has been for many years the usual term for an individual who takes part in a market research project. However, this is increasingly replaced by the term 'participant', as researchers and clients recognise the value of a more collaborative interviewing relationship. That is, the research subject is no longer regarded as a passive object to be studied, being kept in the dark about the research and its objectives and simply 'responding', but as a valued partner in an exploratory process.