Survey Research

When clients require collection of original data, IEc supports them in all phases of the survey research process:

• Focus groups provide an opportunity to test concepts, language, and presentation of information.
• Pre-testing provides a more formal means of vetting and revising survey content through interviews and mailing.
• Our sampling plans are customized for every situation, taking into account the characteristics of the population to be studied, cost factors, and client needs. Our experience covers a range of sampling approaches, including systematic, stratified, multi-stage and cluster sampling.
• We assist with Information Collection Requests (ICRs) in accordance with Paperwork Reduction Act requirements and successfully negotiate the review process with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
• In collaboration with subcontractors, IEc directs survey administration. We have implemented surveys via telephone, mail, internet, and in-person, as well as mixed-mode designs.
• In the data management and analysis stages, IEc applies quality control measures and implements a range of statistical techniques for drawing analytic conclusions.

IEc applies these fundamental steps in many research contexts. For example, we are expert at visitor and other intercept surveys for characterizing use and quality of recreational resources. Likewise, many of these survey principles are applied in our natural resource management work where we design sampling plans and field research guidance.