The Division of Survey Research conducts and supports surveys for research funded through the Division of Policy Research, other academic and administrative units, and for courses. In some cases, students are the primary researchers on projects, and in other cases, students are integral members of project teams with faculty and staff of the College s many schools, programs, and departments. Projects include program and policy evaluations, cost-benefit analyses, statistical analyses, surveys, and qualitative analyses. Each year, Dr. David Finifter, the Center s Director, directs a group of graduate students as they perform policy-related work for public and private sector clients.
All projects require reports and oral briefings to the client.
Eastern State, founded in 1773, is this country s first public psychiatric hospital. The students studies focused on the impact of the potential closing on the Hospital s patients, the potential alternative uses of the Hospital property, and retraining efforts for employees who may lose their jobs as a result of the closure. In another year, students surveyed Hampton residents about their beliefs related to teens health behaviors, Hampton s media campaign, and their own health behaviors. During the Fall 2000 semester, students will survey Hampton residents about issues related to asthma and diabetes. As they have done in the past, at the conclusion of the semester, students will present their findings to staff of the Hampton Health Department.