Assistance

Survey Research

Policymakers need current, objective information as they consider critical issues facing the state. The Vinson Institute provides timely support for policy research and technical assistance activities for state and local governments as well as for other university programs.

Some specialized services include survey research, study design and development, questionnaire design, data collection and analysis, and report writing.

Survey Research

Survey research is used to collect data on attitudes, knowledge, and behavior that can be analyzed quantitatively. The Institute is experienced in all facets of survey research, including telephone surveys, mail surveys, and Internet surveys.

Evaluation

When local governments and state agencies launch new initiatives, they need a systematic way to determine if their activities are on track to meet their objectives. Evaluation experts at the Vinson Institute are skilled at assessing the effectiveness of different endeavors, from individual programs to interdepartmental or even systemwide efforts.

Citizen Surveys

In any democracy, it is important to include citizen input in the policy-making process. Citizen surveys conducted by the Institute are a scientific means of benchmarking, assessing progress, measuring satisfaction, and discovering citizen priorities.

Focus Groups

Qualitative data provided through focus groups can provide context to quantitative data, help in the development of a case study, or assist in the wording and nuance of a questionnaire being created.

Database and Design Management

With expertise in relational database management systems, the Institute helps clients organize attitudinal, behavioral, or demographic data previously collected, adding to its usefulness.