Survey Research Capabilities

Data Collection and Management


Data Collection

We have more than 45 years of experience providing our clients with a full range of survey data collection services from one-on-one personal interviewing to leading-edge, computer-assisted methodologies. Our data collection activities and expertise include the following:

  • Field surveys and personal interviews -- Using a vast, geographically distributed national network of over 100 supervisors and 7,000 interviewers for field work
  • Telephone surveys -- conducting telephone interviews with the latest advances in computer–telephony integration and data networking, using VoIP technology
  • Mail surveys -- Conducting custom mail surveys of diverse populations
  • Computer-assisted interviewing -- Using and tailoring leading-edge, commercial software and developing applications to facilitate survey interviews
  • Mixed-mode data collection -- Mixing and balancing different methods of collecting data to improve response rates and cost efficiencies for special populations or projects
  • Focus groups -- Assembling selected groups of individuals to evaluate the effectiveness of a given data collection method
  • Sensitive topics and behaviors -- Conducting research on sensitive subject matter such as drugs, sex, and abortion
  • Tracing operations -- Customizing and conducting follow-up surveys by tracing hard-to-find interviewees over time

Using a wide range of data collection tools and systems, our researchers and technicians gather and process information for government, industry, and education alike. We use both standard and state-of-the-art instruments and apply them to meet the unique requirements of every client.