Paul Carton

Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Paul Carton, Ph.D., is Vice President of Research at ChangeWave Research. Dr. Carton co-founded the ChangeWave Research operation in 2000 and oversees all of its components, including data analysis and research report writing. Dr. Carton has an extensive background in online survey research and the development of Internet research communities.

Prior to joining ChangeWave Research in 2000, he worked as a survey researcher and consultant for the Boston-based firm of Marttila and Kiley, Inc. He was also Vice President of Research and Management Systems Inc., where he helped develop some of the first Internet communities for research and education in the US.

Dr. Carton’s research has been published in a wide range of journals and publications including Nieman Reports (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Nieman Foundation at Harvard University), Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies (Washington, DC) and Future Choices, (Washington, DC: Youth Policy Institute) — along with hundreds of news media publications.

He holds a Ph.D. in Policy Analysis from the School of Management, State University of New York at Buffalo.

Recent Articles

Impact of the Apple iPad vs. the Amazon Kindle on the e-Reader ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The e-Reader market has essentially become a two horse race between the Amazon Kindle and the Apple iPad, according to ChangeWave's latest survey of more than 2,800 consumers.

Tablet Demand Hurting Netbook ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The debate continues over the impact Tablets are having on both the consumer PC market and Netbook demand. But what is particularly unclear is which companies are going to emerge as the biggest winners and losers? ChangeWave surveyed consumers during October on the latest planned PC buying trends – including the impact of the Apple (AAPL) iPad.

Another Major Leap for Google Android OS Among Consumers

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The latest ChangeWave consumer smartphone survey shows another surge in Android momentum among planned buyers.

New Burst of Momentum for Google Android OS

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

ChangeWave's latest corporate spending survey shows there is at least one big winner in the business smart phone market this quarter – the Google Android Operating System.

iPhone 4: What Users Really Think

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

To find out what Apple iPhone 4 users really think, a July ChangeWave survey has taken an in-depth look at the reactions and opinions of 213 owners.

A Dip in U.S. Consumer Spending for June – Apple and Costco Bright Spots

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

ChangeWave’s June consumer survey has picked up a dip in U.S. consumer spending heading into the summer – the most significant pullback of the past eleven months. The survey of 2,717 U.S. consumers also picked up a downturn in consumer sentiment and expectations.

U.S. Economy Moving Forward – Gains in Corporate Spending & Sales

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Despite the stock market correction and the ongoing problems in Europe the U.S. economic recovery is still moving forward, according to ChangeWave’s latest corporate quarterly survey -- led by an uptick in U.S. corporate sales growth and an improving labor market. The June survey of 2,771 corporate respondents also shows a further easing of the U.S. credit crunch, particularly among large businesses, along with a slight uptick in capital spending growth and the sales pipeline.

Apple Mac and iPad Demand Surging in Corporate ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Planned corporate Mac buying has hit a new all time high, with 12% saying their company will be buying Mac laptops and 7% desktops in the 3rd quarter. What’s driving the upbeat corporate outlook for the Cupertino, California manufacturer?

Apple and Android Continue to Show Momentum in Corporate Smart Phone ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

ChangeWave’s latest corporate IT spending survey shows demand for the Apple iPhone OS and the Google Android OS is on the rise.

New ChangeWave Surveys Measure Future Consumer Demand and Reactions of New iPad Owners

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Back in our February Apple iPad survey report we found "The pre-launch demand for the new iPad is greater than the pre-launch demand for the original iPhone." It wasn't surprising, therefore, when in early May Apple announced 1 million iPads sold in the first month -- and reported that sales had outpaced those of the original iPhone

Strongest Business Software Spending Environment in Three Years

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Software spending is showing more strength than in any previous ChangeWave business software survey of the past 34 months. Moreover, this is the sixth consecutive survey in which spending has registered an improvement.

Water Project Spending Remains Healthy Going Forward

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The rebound in water project spending will likely continue over the next 12 months, led by the U.S. economic stimulus program. But which companies have the most momentum?

Consumers Give High Marks to Google Android OS and Motorola Droid

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Recent ChangeWave surveys have shown a huge spike in consumer demand for the Google (GOOG) Android operating system, with Motorola (MOT) and HTC benefiting most.

New Survey Shows Huge Wave of Apple iPad Demand Striking Amazon

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

A ChangeWave survey offers key evidence that the Apple iPad will have a major impact on the e-Reader, laptop and home entertainment markets.

We Told You So: Paltry Sales Pummel Palm

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

PALM reduced its full-year revenue outlook to "well below" previous targets of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion due to weak smart phone sales. That's not news to ChangeWave, which predicted this trend in a December report.

Big Surge in U.S. Consumer Spending for January

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

According to ChangeWave Research, consumer spending is set to surge as nearly three-in-ten U.S. consumers now say they'll spend more over the next 90 days than they did a year ago.

The Emerging Dominator of the Cellular, Internet and TV ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½s

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Among telecom service providers, Verizon (VZ) is best-positioned to dominate the marketplace according to ChangeWave Research.

Consumer Restaurant Spending On the Upswing

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Restaurant spending, often a leading indicator of where overall consumer spending is headed, has improved for the fourth straight month. But which restaurant chains are seeing the biggest jump?

Google’s Android OS Rocks Smart Phone Industry

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The Google Android OS is leading the way as a huge transformation in planned smart phone buying trends takes place.

Uptick in Holiday Spending Leads to a Blowout Win for Amazon (AMZN)

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Holiday spending for the 2009 season is showing major improvements over last year and is being led by blowout numbers for Amazon (AMZN).

Consumer Automobile Purchasing Trends

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

When it comes to auto purchasing, auto manufacturers Toyota (TM) and Honda (HMC) lead, but Ford (F) shows surprising momentum.

Winners in the Race for Federal Stimulus Dollars

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

With the billions of federal stimulus dollars up for grabs, we took a close up look at the types of infrastructure projects benefiting the most and the companies winning and losing as a result.

Corporate Software Spending Improves

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

As corporate software spending continues to improve, Microsoft (MSFT) is showing the most momentum due, in part, to the release of Windows 7.

Microsoft Windows 7 Momentum Triggers a Surge in PC Demand

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The release of Microsoft's (MSFT) Windows 7 operating system is having a direct impact on consumer PC buying.

Apple Soars Behind iPhone 3GS Momentum

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

These are heady times for the smart phone market, with consumer buying plans near record levels. But what impact are the new smart phones from Apple (AAPL) and Palm (PALM) having on Research In Motion (RIMM) and the rest of the smart phone market?

Consumer Spending Steady for Oct. – Amazon (AMZN), Macy’s (M) Show Improvement

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Amazon (AMZN) and Macy's (M) are likely to enjoy an uptick in consumer spending heading into the holiday season, according to a new ChangeWave Alliance survey.

ChangeWave – Restaurant Sector Improving

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Starbucks (SBUX), Olive Garden (DRI), Chipotle (CMG) and Maggianos (EAT) are among the restaurant stocks likely to enjoy the biggest benefits from a recovery in the sector, according to two new ChangeWave Alliance surveys.

U.S. Consumer Spending Continues to Improve in September

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Consumer spending is continuing to improve going forward, but which retail stores have the most momentum as we head into the fall season and which are trailing behind? Read on to get the full details.

U.S. Stimulus Program Causing Rebound in Water Project Spending

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

There's a rebound occurring in water project spending over the next 12 months -- largely driven by the U.S. government's economic stimulus program. But which companies are best positioned to benefit?

Slower Going for IT Spending – But the Recovery Continues

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Nearly all signs point to a slowdown in the rate of recovery for corporate IT spending this quarter. But it is still continuing to improve, and there are signs of a bigger uptick in store for first half 2010. Where are the improvements most likely to be?

Smart Phone Slugfest – iPhone 3GS vs. Palm Pre

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

A recent survey of new owners takes an in-depth look at these much-anticipated smart phones -- including overall satisfaction, user expectations, and what is liked best and disliked most about each phone.

Will the Back-to-School Shopping Season Help Jumpstart Consumer Spending?

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Although research from the ChangeWave Alliance points to a tough, end of summer, back-to-school shopping season, there are a couple of retailers showing some momentum.

Three Big Cap Winners in Software

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The larger software vendors are outperforming many of their smaller counterparts at this point in the business cycle -- and this is happening at a time when corporate software buying is still improving, but at a slower pace. So which vendors top the list?

Best and Worst Stocks In TV Provider ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

There's a clear shift away from traditional TV viewing towards new types of online services and entertainment -- but who are the winners and losers? Here's a look at the key TV service providers battling for market share.

SBUX, Other Restaurants Slowly Regain Their Appetite

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

While the pace of overall growth within the restaurant industry has slowed according to two recent ChangeWave consumer surveys, there are a handful of standout winners, including Starbucks (SBUX) and several other restaurant chains.

Signs of a Pullback in U.S. Consumer Spending

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

There are signs of a pullback in consumer spending going forward according to ChangeWave's latest survey. But is this simply a case of the summer doldrums -- or is it the start of another leg downward? And how are retailers Target (TGT), Wal-Mart (WMT), Best Buy (BBY) and Amazon (AMZN) faring?

Consumers Still Spending

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

A recent ChangeWave Alliance survey shows spending continues to improve among consumers.

Economic Turnaround Ahead?

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The first quarter of 2009 has been bad. And how will the second compare? Not looking so good either, according to ChageWave's latest corporate survey. But, before you go thinking things are never going to turn around, there are a few glints of hope that just may be the early signs of an economic trough. Get all the details here.

When Did You Learn We Were In Recession?

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Recently the world was shocked to learn the U.S. had entered a recession way back in December 2007. So when did you learn about the recession? In retrospect, knowing very quickly when a recession starts is quite an important thing -- one that can have a life-altering impact on your financial future.

Could the Recession Affect Our Water Supply?

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

It's possible that the economic recession will lead to a worldwide decline in drinkable water? Quite possibly, according to the latest ChangeWave survey on water industry trends, which shows tough financial times are causing a dramatic slowdown in planned water project expenditures. So, which sectors are being hurt most? And are any companies well-positioned for growth?

Massive Breakdown in Consumer Spending

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

If you think October was bad for U.S. retailers, wait till you see what's in store for November. ChangeWave's latest consumer spending survey shows yet another giant downturn in U.S. consumer spending going forward. The survey of 2,763 U.S. consumers focused on spending patterns for the next 90 days, including the holiday season. Here's what we found.

Consumer Shock: Spending Takes a Big Turn for the Worse

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The financial events of the past few weeks have led to a reflexive recoiling on the part of U.S. consumers. The latest ChangeWave consumer survey—conducted…

Doctors Report a Slowdown in Medical Spending

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

The tentacles of the economic slowdown are spreading. According to ChangeWave's latest healthcare survey, the medical industry is now seeing a deceleration in patient spending.…

ChangeWave Hits the Mark on Consumer Spending

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

We have some good news...and we have some bad news regarding consumer spending. Which one do you want first? Either way, our proprietary research proves we were right.

Apple’s 3G Boosts Grim Corporate IT Outlook

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

First, the bad news: The downturn in the U.S. economy is far from over. ChangeWave's latest IT purchasing survey shows an even greater pullback occurring in corporate spending. But, there is a bright spot...

How to Profit from Out-of-Control Inflation

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

A recent ChangeWave survey pointed to yet another clear downturn in U.S. consumer spending. So what's to blame for the weak outlook? The chief culprits are skyrocketing inflation and high energy costs. But, even with all this gloom, there are still winning stocks for your portfolio.

Motorola Beaten Down by Apple iPhone

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

There's no question that Motorola (MOT) has taken a huge hit from the Apple (AAPL) iPhone's success. But is there any hope of a turnaround for the beleaguered company? ChangeWave has been tracking Motorola's decline and the latest survey results are in.

Apple Ups the Ante With 3G iPhone

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Our latest ChangeWave survey shows the next-generation iPhone is having a tsunami-like impact on the smart-phone market. But hold on...market leader Research In Motion hasn't taken this latest salvo lying down. Read on to find out what they're planning to combat the Apple onslaught.

Sprint Feels the Pain

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

Sprint (S) has been a perennial loser in ChangeWave cell phone surveys over the past few years. When we first began tracking Sprint, their stock price was over $20. Since then, it fell to a low of about $5.50 in March and has just recently experienced an uptick. But is this uptick based on reality, or is it just a head-fake?

World Takeover By Wal-Mart and Costco

By Paul Carton, Vice President of Research, ChangeWave

All year, Wal-Mart (WMT) and Costco (COST) have remained two shining bright spots in an otherwise beleaguered retail industry. But will these two companies continue their good times, or will the spending crunch catch them by surprise? Find out

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