Standard Survey Tools
SSG mines methodological data for best practices and new technology in order to develop our tools. Our constantly evolving menu of tools is always at the forefront of our field:
Internet Survey System
The conduct of high-quality research is increasingly dependent upon computer-assisted survey information collection (CASIC). CASIC surveys require a system that can accommodate the demands of survey logic, create high-quality presentations/designs, and collect complex data.
SSG’s internet surveys use the DatStat Illume survey product, widely regarded as a leading online data-collection system. Its dual-server system features Microsoft Server 2003 and uses Microsoft SQL as a database back end. When appropriate, we also use the Blaise and SPSS mrInterview survey engines.
Sample Management System
SSG is uniquely equipped to manage sample information and data. Our custom sample-management system provides a sleek interface between the study sample, the interviewer and the data collection system. Since our CATI system utilizes the same back-end survey engine as our web-based surveys, we are also uniquely equipped to integrate multi-mode data.
Telephone System
The SSG telephone center is equipped with the staff and technology to meet the most advanced survey needs. We use a voice-over-Internet protocol (VOIP) that is equipped for both inbound and out-going calls and a computer-assisted telephone interviewer (CATI) system that that seamlessly integrates data from telephone and online instruments.
Paper-Survey Resources
SSG’s paper surveys are individually tailored, methodologically sound, and professionally designed. We call upon an in-house paper-survey expert and external design consultants to offer the latest design techniques while incorporating the best practices in the survey research.
