Omnibus Survey Under Way

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Researchers at the University of Arkansas Survey Research Center have begun collecting data for a new Arkansas Omnibus Survey, a service-oriented poll designed to measure Arkansans’ perceptions about a variety of topics, including health, economics and water issues. The survey began March 27 and will conclude in mid-April.

“The survey is a great opportunity to hear from Arkansas residents on issues that affect the entire state,” said Molly Longstreth, director of the research center. “Arkansans face important issues and will make numerous tough decisions both as individuals and as a community. The diverse opinions of Arkansans help state officials better meet their needs.”

Conducted in both English and Spanish, the survey contains questions from various state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations on a wide range of issues. The goal of the survey is to learn more about a variety of topics and how they affect Arkansas and its residents.

The survey uses random-digit dialing to contact a wide sample of residents from nearly every county in Arkansas. Longstreth said the center intends to connect with more than 600 people so that findings are accurate within a range of 4 percentage points. Data are collected via a sophisticated, state-of-the-art, computer-assisted telephone interviewing system. Interviewers are highly trained, and information received during the process remains confidential.

In July of 2005, survey center researchers conducted the first statewide Arkansas Omnibus Survey and discovered that Arkansans had confidence in the American economy but were less optimistic about their personal finances and the American economy than were Americans as a whole. The state survey also revealed that Arkansans viewed current economic conditions positively and had optimistic expectations for the economy in the near future. To learn more about this survey, go to http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/5065.htm .

In October of 2005, the survey center released findings from the first Northwest Arkansas Omnibus Survey, which showed that consumer confidence among Northwest Arkansans had plunged dramatically in September 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. To learn more about this survey, go to http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/5596.htm .

The research center conducts omnibus surveys twice a year. Longstreth said survey findings are an excellent and affordable way for public agencies, nonprofit organizations and educators to obtain high-quality information from a wide variety of Arkansans without the organizations having to sponsor their own surveys. Those interested in purchasing questions for surveys should call the center at (479) 575-4222.

Established in 1998, the UA Survey Research Center conducts surveys and evaluations for a variety of organizations and is dedicated to providing high-quality, nonbiased information. For more information on the center and its research, go to http://survey.uark.edu/ .