Scanner-Based Research, is just what is says but it also seems like a violation unless you join a panel and are geeting paid for it.  This is a type of survey bu is done with out you having to sit down and discuss it or answer a bunch of questions.  There are only to companies in the world that offer this type of research.  (IRI)Information Resource, Inc. and The A.C. Nielsen Company.  These companies provide a valuable service to major companies like Proctor & Gamble, Quaker Oats, Sara Lee etc., with two different types of scans one is Behavior Scan which is done when you are sent out to the retailers like a grocery store or the hardware store any where you shop this scan is done to let retailers know what products that are purchased the most and in what season they are most purchased.  The Second one is the Info scan and that is where they advertise certain infomercials in certian areas and then monitor to see if it increase the spending of the product.  This will also determine around what time of the year to start advertising for seasonal stuff and how tho market it.  Also Knowing when to get this type of research done is very important and costly and have been known not to be used like when Proctor & Gamble decide that their product was going to make it big (Encaprin asprin) the product was such a flop they had to yank it from the shelves this maketing technique is clever.  I wonder if I am participating in a scan when I go into a store to purchase something and they ask for my zip code!  Just something to make you say Hummmm!