Survey Research
Our survey research specialists use state-of-the-art methods to collect data on public
attitudes, knowledge and behavior. We emphasize clear and rigorous research that helps
leaders make more informed policy decisions.
With expertise in a wide range of policy areas, we offer several survey research approaches,
including assistance with
- study design
- sampling
- multiple-mode data collection
- interviews
- focus groups
- analysis
- reporting
- presentations
We are committed to helping you through the entire research process, from idea to
final presentation. Using the latest methods, faculty and staff provide timely support
to state and local governments, university units and other organizations. Faculty
and staff have extensive experience producing collaborative survey research for various
stakeholders across Georgia and beyond. Our survey research team captures public opinion
and other information to make critical policy and operational decisions.
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Evaluation
When local governments and state agencies launch initiatives, they need to determine
if their activities will meet their objectives. Our evaluation experts are skilled
at assessing the effectiveness of different endeavors, from individual programs to
interdepartmental or even system-wide efforts.
Using comprehensive, multi-method approaches, our evaluators design an evaluation
method that establishes objective and quantifiable measures from the start. Evaluation
research provides the processes and tools to obtain valid, reliable and credible data
to address various programmatic needs. Our evaluation experts collect data to answer
questions of programmatic effectiveness, weaknesses and successes to improve organizational
capacity and services. Evaluation studies also assist local and state government leaders
with making evidence-informed policy decisions based on data collected on past programmatic
performance.
Our staff are also trained to respond to federal and state grant requirements and
can develop evaluation strategies during the proposal phase, as well as conduct evaluations
for grant-funded programs.
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Structured Focus Group Research
Focus groups cultivate an environment of trust and rapport to examine a shared phenomenon
(an intervention, program or policy issue). This technique encourages discussion among
participants to promote comradery regarding the topic at hand. Aspects of experiences
and perspectives are revealed that would not be accessible without group interaction.
Focus groups provide qualitative data that can
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add context to quantitative data.
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help develop a case study.
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assist in the wording and nuance of a questionnaire being created.
Our qualitative experts examine participants’ thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and needs
on important issues to local government and state agencies. Our focus group research
can be conducted as
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a stand-alone study (i.e., learning about experiences, attitudes and opinions on the
research topic).
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supplementary data for a quantitative study (i.e., assist with generating survey questionnaires
or intervention studies).
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follow-up data to assist primary research (i.e., to further understand survey results
or to evaluate the outcome of an intervention or program).
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