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.
Quantitative-based data collection
- 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.
Survey/Business
Research Brochure (pdf)
Qualitative-based data collection
- 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.
- The Decision Support Center offers
technology as a mechanism to facilitate group interactions
which leads to decision-making. The Decision Support Center
can accommodate groups of up to 18 participants in a facilitator
led setting. Primary uses of the Decision Support Center include
facilitation of strategic planning sessions, brainstorming
sessions, setting organizational agendas, SWOT analysis, and
other issues effecting decision-making for groups/organizations.
A primary advantage of the Decision Support Center is the anonymous
nature of participant interaction which is advantageous in
an employee/supervisory environment.
Decision Support
Center Brochure (pdf) 
