Stories
These short pieces are based on information held in the Archive and aim to demonstrate that there is no such thing as ‘out-of-date research’. However long ago the work was originally commissioned, these data are available to add insight for those eager to explore the dynamics of change. We hope you enjoy browsing through our stories – and please check back from time to time as we regularly add new material here. Our most recent stories are listed first.
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What were we like in 1969-1972?
Among the most relevant uses of the material in the Archive of Market and Social Research (AMSR)...
Have we always been unsure about Europe?
Teresa May’s tenure as UK Prime Minister was characterised by her insistence on honouring the 52%...
Is our knowledge of Christianity in decline?
Survey research data makes it clear that our knowledge and practice of Christianity is in full decline.
How have we changed since 1938?
Perhaps the earliest and most comprehensive measurement of British attitudes on political and...
Are Boomers the biggest boozers?
The ‘Boomer’ generation are often claimed to be the nation’s heaviest wine drinkers. Analysis of...
Have attitudes to women in the workplace changed?
The Archive of Market and Social Research (AMSR) is collecting a record of research on behaviours,...
Can research help us understand loneliness?
For many, Valentine’s Day is an occasion for declarations of love. For others, it might prompt...
Was sponsorship of the 1986 Football World Cup worthwhile?
At the1987 MRS Annual Conference, whose papers are stored in the archive*, it was reported that...
How was Gallup International set up?
Those interested in the historical perspectives of the polling industry may be interested to see...
Why invest in gold?
The World Gold Council’s Annual Review of 2017 asserts that there has been “a profound shift in...
How have perceptions of contraception changed?
A report in the Autumn 1988 issue of Survey Magazine*, now freely accessible in the Archive,...
What are the concerns around obesity?
An Autumn 1988 Survey Magazine article, now easily accessible in the Archive via www.amsr.org.uk...
Are we any happier?
It’s not easy to move the happiness needle upwards. Thirty years of societal and economic changes...
What does the MORI Misery Index tell us about the 1990s?
“In Britain and all across Europe there seems to be a rising tide of pessimism and unhappiness”...
TGI: how did we move from packet tea to tea bags?
The victory of a new product format: Packet Tea and Tea Bags. When making tea, we almost all...
How different are Millennials and Boomers?
Young adults’ concerns about debt are nothing new. Since the General Election, many commentators...
TGI: how much has technology changed since the 1970s?
Televisions and telephones in the 1970s When TGI was first published in 1969, ‘streaming’ referred...
Can airlines exploit changing holiday patterns?
One of the headline stories in the sector this year has been the launch of sub-£200 travel from...
Are generational differences the fault line in Britain?
Generational differences are sometimes considered one of the fault lines in Britain today, with...
what was healthy living in 2017?
The MRS held a Seminar in February 2017 looking at health, fitness and wellbeing and what can be...
TGI: what did we eat in 1969?
Fishpaste, Rice Pudding, Yoghurt, Pasta Food usage reported by TGI in 1969 offers a picture of...
Is sexual harassment old news?
1992’s workforce knew very well what constituted sexual harassment. What was tolerated then is...
How have our eating habits changed?
These days, any main street has a plethora of restaurants and cafes to suit every taste: in...