Why Choose the SRL

The SRL has been in existence since 1995, conducting a variety of surveys for government agencies, university-affiliated groups, community organizations, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, social service agencies, and private businesses. We prioritize working with clients to meet their needs within the resources they have available to support quality, professional survey research.

Our goals are to…

• Provide survey research knowledge and research facilities to campuses, agencies, and organizations that need it.
  
  
• Collect high-quality data by obtaining accurate, consistent, and non-biased information to increase the knowledge of the community.
  
  
• Conduct survey research in a manner ensuring the protection of all respondents and the confidentiality of their data.
  
  
• Deliver value for every dollar spent.
  
  
• Strive for excellence in customer service by supporting service delivery with a positive attitude and effective communication.
  
  
• Represent PSU as a viable research facility.

Our Customer Satisfaction Approach

Our defining characteristic is the personal touch to customer support. We strive to be responsive to each and every client. We encourage clients to choose services that meet the specific demands of their research. Careful and ethical gathering of data is our primary concern along with maintaining respondent anonymity or confidentiality, while working within time and budget constraints.

Resources Available to Our Clients

• Housed with the Regional Research Institute for Human Services (RRI), the Survey Research Lab has established a strong partnership with researchers of various disciplines. This partnership allows the SRL to call upon the experience of the RRI staff for consultation on surveys. The RRI employs experts in the fields of social work, psychology, sociology, public administration, and education. In addition, as a part of Portland State University, the SRL has the ability to include experts from across the University to consult on projects.
  
  
• The SRL team has experience in CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) and web survey programming and over 25 years of experience in survey research methodology and analysis.
  
  
• SRL data and software are stored on servers set aside for the sole purpose of conducting the SRL’s confidential surveys and securely storing the gathered data.
  
  
• Interviewers are fully trained in structured interviewing techniques, survey research principles, and human subjects protections. Interviewers also receive project specific training before each new survey as an orientation to the specific context and needs of the project.
  
  
• Phone interviews are conducted on 10 recently upgraded CATI call stations, allowing the lab to manage multiple surveys simultaneously. The stations are fully computerized using state-of-the-art software. Interviews can be conducted in multiple languages.
  
  
• Calls can be made during day and evening hours seven days a week focused to meet the specific needs of any survey. Our toll-free number allows for flexible appointment and callback options.
  
  
• The SRL is fully equipped to design and/or produce respondent recruitment letters, follow-up letters, subject payment mailings, and reminder cards that can be used jointly with a phone survey or as a separate mail-out survey.