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Polling the Pollsters: A Survey of Academic Survey Organizations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 October 2016

Kenneth E. Fernandez ,
Jason A. Husser  and
Mary G. Macdonald
Kenneth E. Fernandez
Affiliation:
College of Southern Nevada
Jason A. Husser
Affiliation:
Elon University
Mary G. Macdonald
Affiliation:
Emory University
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Abstract

Organizations conducting survey research have remained of vital importance to the social sciences. However, these organizations increasingly face new challenges and opportunities. Survey operations housed in universities and colleges may face special challenges. We present a poll of pollsters, an original survey of leaders of academic survey organizations in the United States. Results explore the various methods used by academic survey organizations and perceptions of challenges in today’s academic and research environments. Responses provide an overview of the career path of academic survey leaders and how those leaders understand the primary missions of their organizations. We conclude with a discussion relevant to social scientists interested in the dynamics of operating these important academic research centers.

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PS: Political Science & Politics , Volume 49 , Special Issue 4: Elections in Focus , October 2016 , pp. 859 - 866
Copyright
Copyright © American Political Science Association 2016 

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