Survey Research Center Launches Spring 2009 Northwest Arkansas Omnibus Survey

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Survey Research Center at the University of Arkansas has begun collecting data for the Northwest Arkansas Omnibus Survey, a short, service-oriented poll to measure local residents’ perceptions about topics of local importance. Via telephone interviews, the center will continue to gather data for another week.

“During this busy month of May, taking the few minutes to respond to the survey will let local policy makers know your preferences and thus be able to serve you better,” said Molly Longstreth, director of the research center.

The survey center has conducted the survey each year since 2005. Due to limited funds and client preferences, this year’s Northwest Arkansas Omnibus Survey seeks opinions of residents of Benton and Washington counties only.

In addition to questions gauging consumer sentiment, previous statewide and local omnibus surveys have included questions about gas prices, health care, emergency preparedness, education, the economy and the war in Iraq. Longstreth said the spring 2009 Northwest Arkansas Omnibus Survey will include questions about transportation and informative television.

Conducted in both English and Spanish, the Northwest Arkansas Omnibus Survey uses random sampling to contact diverse residents. 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. Longstreth said the center will connect with more than 600 people. The findings are accurate within a range of 4 percentage points.

The survey contains specific questions from various local agencies on a wide range of issues. Longstreth said survey findings are an excellent and affordable way for public agencies, nonprofit organizations and educators to obtain high-quality information without 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 University of Arkansas 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/.