Research Capabilities

Survey administration methods can be tailored to fit the research needs of the client and work in combination (i.e., mixed-mode data collection) to meet the overall research project goals. Survey/Business Research staff work closely with clients to determine project scope, information needs, and time requirements. Research costs are determined on a case-by-case basis to offset expenses associated with conducting the research and results reporting activities.

• Paper-based mail surveys are designed using proven questionnaire formats and procedures. Cover letters and questionnaires are integrated into "user-friendly" data collection instruments to enhance response rates.
• Telephone surveys are conducted in-house using a dedicated and supervised computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) lab. CATI facilitates interviewer performance monitoring and electronic data collection, eliminating the need for manual coding and data entry of completed questionnaires.
• Internet surveys are developed and deployed in-house using web-based questionnaire authoring software. Internet surveys can be used as a stand alone data collection tool for special populations (with an e-mail address) or in combination with other modes of data collection to enhance response rates.
• Personal/face-to-face interviews are conducted using an agreed upon data collection instrument to gather input from the targeted group under study. Interviews can be conducted in a variety of settings ranging from isolated office environments to large group situations (e.g., festivals, tourism attractions, etc.) utilizing a modified-mall intercept approach to select and interview individuals.
• Focus group sessions are conducted by an experienced moderator in a group setting (i.e., 8 to 12 participants) to draw upon participants' attitudes, feelings, beliefs, reactions, and experiences related to a specific topic of interest. Focus group sessions allow for immediate feedback in a group dynamic and can be used at any point in a research program. Focus groups can be used as stand alone research tools or in combination with broader-based quantitative data collection activities.