Survey Research Methods

Survey administration methods can be tailored to fit the research needs of the client and work in combination to meet overall research project goals. IEA conducts mail surveys using proven questionnaire formats and procedures. Telephone surveys are conducted in-house using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) software. CATI facilitates interviewer performance monitoring and electronic data collection, eliminating the need for manual coding and data entry of completed questionnaires. This process reduces the margin for error and shortens the time required to complete a survey project. Survey results can be made available to the client in several formats: published reports (i.e., summary monograph, analytical report), computer printouts of the frequency of responses by question, and selected cross-tabulated data variable output.

From industrial targeting to conducting program evaluations, survey/business research staff work closely with clients through initial consultations 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 reporting activities.