# Frequently Asked Questions

> Find current answers about research, audiences, reports and costs.

Source: https://imario.ai/docs/resources/faq

## Which method should I use?

Use a survey for structured questions, interviews for probing, focus groups for discussion, preference tests for alternatives, creative tests for images and URL feedback for pages. [Choose a method](https://imario.ai/docs/research/choose-a-method) explains the differences.

## Is the research a real customer survey?

The new responses are modelled, even when the audience is grounded in real records or prior surveys. See [Evidence](https://imario.ai/docs/methods/evidence).

## Does more simulated participation mean statistical certainty?

No. Size helps cover the represented audience, but cannot remove a shared modelling error. See [Panel size](https://imario.ai/docs/research/sample-size).

## How many free credits do I get?

Any introductory allowance is shown during account setup. See [Pricing & credits](https://imario.ai/docs/workspace/pricing) for the rates and purchases available to the workspace.

## Is a report included with every run?

Results are available after the run. A separately generated narrative report has its own tiered charge. Opening an existing report differs from confirming a charged rewrite. See [Reports](https://imario.ai/docs/run-and-analyze/reports).

## Does unlocking an audience pay for research?

No. Audience access and research usage are separate. See [Markets and official audiences](https://imario.ai/docs/audiences/catalog).

## Can I run a PR test?

Yes. Use a PR test to compare how an announcement, policy or public statement may change opinion across a short timeline. Start with [Run a PR test](https://imario.ai/docs/research/pr-test) and review the estimate before submitting.

## Does iMario work on a phone?

The current manual focuses on the supported workspace and browser workflow. Availability of composer controls, uploads and analysis views can vary by device width and browser. Use a desktop browser when a task requires a detailed builder, large upload or Explorer analysis.

## Where did Solo Mode and Studio go?

The current homepage starts research tasks. Older guides described a different homepage and a separate Studio product. See [Older workflows](https://imario.ai/docs/resources/legacy-workflows).

## Can an AI agent use iMario?

An external agent can use the iMario MCP server and companion skill described in [MCP & Agent Setup](https://imario.ai/docs/agent-setup/overview). This is separate from research task types in the iMario workspace.

## Can I share results?

Use the controls on the report or result surface. Check link access and exported scope. See [Share and export](https://imario.ai/docs/run-and-analyze/share-and-export).

## Can I connect my own data?

Yes. Start with [Build from data](https://imario.ai/docs/audiences/build-from-data) or [Data connections](https://imario.ai/docs/audiences/connections/connect-data-system).

## Does this manual document a public API?

The manual primarily covers the user interface. The [MCP & Agent Setup](https://imario.ai/docs/agent-setup/overview) section covers the MCP connection and its companion skill, which let an external agent run research against your audiences.