Current Projects
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (BRFSS)
- Established in 1984 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a
state-based system of health surveys that collects information on health
risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and health care access
primarily related to chronic disease and injury. Currently, data are
collected monthly in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. States use BRFSS data to identify
emerging health problems, establish and track health objectives, and develop
and evaluate public health policies and programs. Many states also use BRFSS
data to support health-related legislative efforts. In July 2008, PPRL began
data collection for BRFSS.
2008 Louisiana Survey
- The 2008 Louisiana Survey is the latest in a series of statewide public
opinion surveys beginning in 2003. The mission of the survey is to establish
benchmarks to track progress and regressions in citizen assessments of state
government services. The current survey documents changes in public opinion
from 2003-2008, and emphasizes changes in public opinion in light of new
political leadership.
2007 DHH Survey
- Following up on the 2005 DHH Survey, this study provides policymakers with
an understanding of health insurance coverage in Louisiana. The results are
being used in efforts to estimate uninsured populations and have real world
consequences in terms of state policy. Previous surveys have been used by
policymakers and government officials to help target outreach efforts to
enroll children in LaCHIP and have been used by the federal government in
funding critical services in Louisiana. A cell phone component was included
to help understand if cell phone-only users feel differently than people
surveyed by traditional landlines.
2007 Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) Business
Survey
- The LRA survey focuses on Louisiana businesses and is intended to evaluate
their current status in the recovery process. The survey will be used by
state officials to determine results of recovery in various areas of
Louisiana and within specific industries. The survey will also be used to
evaluate various policies, loan programs and obstacles to recovery.
2007 Business Climate Survey (Stephenson
Entrepreneurial Institute)
- The Business Climate Survey is targeted to determine how small and medium
sized businesses are dealing with the post-Katrina climate for economic
stability and growth. It was conducted in cooperation with the National
Federation of Independent Business. Findings indicate firms that are
growing, firms that want to stay and issues they are faced with. This survey
provides the raw data to assist leaders in making decisions that will have a
long-term impact on jobs, wealth and education in the state of Louisiana.
2007 Spring Louisiana Survey
- The 2007 Louisiana Survey is the latest in a series of statewide public
opinion surveys beginning in 2003. The mission of the survey is to establish
benchmarks to track progress and regressions in citizen assessments of state
government services. The current survey documents changes in public opinion
since November 2006, and places these changes in the context of broader
trends documented from 2003-2007. This survey is used by state and
congressional delegations and numerous national think tanks that have an eye
on Louisiana, such as the Brookings Institution and the RAND Corporation.
The 2008 Louisiana Survey will be completed in March 2008.
National Agenda Survey
- Building on the success of the Louisiana Survey, the Reilly Center for
Media & Public Affair initiated a new study to help advance Louisiana’s
National Agenda. This new study follows much of the same structure as the
Louisiana Survey but has a national focus. The goal of this new survey is to
establish benchmarks and chart changes in how the nation views Louisiana and
help provide relevant, timely and nonpartisan national public opinion data
that can be used to help shape Louisiana’s future.
2006 Fall Louisiana Survey
- The Fall 2006 Louisiana Survey is the latest in a series of statewide
public opinion surveys beginning in 2003. The mission of the survey is to
establish benchmarks and track progress and regressions in citizen
assessments of state government services. The current survey documents
changes in public opinion since April 2006, and places these changes in the
context of broader trends documented from 2003-2006.
2006 Louisiana Survey
- The unprecedented events of the past year illustrate the importance of
the core mission of the Louisiana Survey - to serve as a barometer of state
public opinion by tracking progressions and regressions in citizen attitudes
over time. This year's survey illustrates how dramatic events can
fundamentally restructure the social, political and economical environment,
wiping out incremental gains that have accrued over several years. In the
spring 2005 Louisiana Survey, we found important, though limited, progress
in a number of areas, including the direction of the state, evaluations of
the state economy and perceptions of corruption. In the 2006 Louisiana
Survey, we see substantially more residents expressing concern that the
state is not heading in the right direction, the economy has gotten worse
over the last year, and the state has become more corrupt.
2005 Louisiana Survey - Post-Hurricane Community
Audit (Special Edition)
- The Louisiana Survey was created to measure the public’s opinion about
issues in our state. While there will be a core of questions that are asked
year after year, there will also be a section that will emphasize a
particular policy area or an area of interest to the state. This Fall, the
emphasis was on the rebuilding effort after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Contact Information:
Dr. Kirby Goidel:
Professor, Manship School of Mass Communication
Email kgoidel@lsu.edu
Phone (225) 578-7588
Fax (225) 578-2125
2005 Louisiana Survey
- The Louisiana Survey was created to measure the public's optinion about
issues in our state. While there is a core of questions that are asked year
after year, there is also a section that emphasizes a particular policy
area. This year the emphasis was on health care and economic development.
Contact Information:
Dr. Kirby Goidel:
Professor, Manship School of Mass Communication
Email kgoidel@lsu.edu
Phone (225) 578-7588
Fax (225) 578-2125
2005 Louisiana Insurance Coverage Study
- Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, this
study seeks to accurately determine the number of uninsured people in
Louisiana. In addition, it also examines the level of underinsured as well
as the reasons people report not carrying health insurance. As a
continuation of the 2003 Louisiana Insurance study, the Department of Health
and Hospitals can start to track trends in coverage over time.
Acadian Ambulance Employee Satisfaction Survey
- As part of an ongoing annual evaluation process the Public Policy
Research Lab surveyed current employees of Acadian Ambulance using an
internet survey. This information will then be used to assess overall
employee satisfaction as well as approval of specific programs.
LDOL Job Vacancy Survey
- To measure labor shortages in the state, the Louisiana Department of
Labor has partnered with the PPRL to survey over 8000 businesses about what
job vacancies they have. This survey will be done every year to track
changes over time.
Louisiana Workforce Investment Act Surveys (WIA)
- The federal government requires Louisiana to conduct customer service
surveys to determine the extent to which the WIA program serves the needs of
both workers and employers. States can receive substantial monetary bonuses
or penalties based on the results of this survey.
State Police JESTC Marketing Survey
- In cooperation with LSU Louisiana Business and Technology Center, the
PPRL determined interest in private use of the State Police’s new Joint
Emergency Services Training Center. The results from this survey were used
by LBTC to develop a marketing plan for JESTC.
Office of Group Benefits Insurance Study
- Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals in
partnership with the Office of Group Benefits and the Governor’s Office,
this study sought to determine the number of uninsured Louisiana state
workers. In addition, it examined the reason why people would not use on of
the state’s insurance plans.
Louisiana’s Business Image
- Sponsored by the Committee of 100 and in partnership with the
Governor’s Office, the Public Policy Research Lab surveyed businesses
outside of the state of Louisiana. The purpose of this project was to
determine the image of Louisiana held by businesses outside of the state.
This information can then be used by economic development officials to guide
business recruitment efforts.
Louisiana Public Square
- The Public Policy Research Lab is working with Louisiana Public
Broadcasting to recruit citizens to participate in town hall meetings. The
meetings cover a variety of topics including property taxes, economic
development, health insurance, and education.
Past Projects
2004
LDOL Job Vacancy Survey
- To measure labor shortages in the state, the Louisiana Department of
Labor has partnered with the PPRL to survey over 8000 businesses about what
job vacancies they have. This survey will be done every other quarter to
track changes over time.
Louisiana Workforce Investment Act Surveys (WIA)
- The federal government requires Louisiana to conduct customer service
surveys to determine the extent to which the WIA program serves the needs of
both workers and employers. States can receive substantial monetary bonuses
or penalties based on the results of this survey.
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
- The Public Policy Research Lab is working with the Baton Rouge Area
Foundation to study BRAF’s effectiveness in communicating with its donor and
members. The survey will also be used to ensure the grant-making process is
in agreement with donor preferences.
2004 Election Studies
- The Public Policy Research Lab conducted a series of surveys about the
2004 elections in on behalf of professors at LSU and Southern University.
The focus was on both nation elections and the Baton Rouge mayoral campaign.
Research topics included the influence of the media, emotive evaluations of
the candidates and social networks.
Heart of Spain Economic Impact Study
- Working with Loren Scott and Associates and the Ourso College’s
Division for Economic Development and Forecasting, the lab surveyed
attendees of Alexandria’s Heart of Spain exhibit. This information was then
used to determine the exhibit’s economic impact.
Wal-Mart Economic Impact Study
- Working with Loren Scott and Associates, Ourso College’s Division for
Economic Development and Forecasting, and the city of Donaldsonville, the
lab surveyed potential customers of a new Wal-Mart in Ascension Parish. This
information was then used to determine the exhibit’s economic impact.
Reilly Center Research Grants
- The first is a series of grants; the Reilly Center for Media & Public
Affairs funded a survey to further research at LSU. The content of the
survey was determined by competitive submission from LSU faculty members.
This year’s survey focused on media images of casualties of war as well as
the interplay between religion and spirituality.
Student Smoking Survey
- To test the efforts of anti-smoking PSA on LSU and Southern students,
the PPRL conducted a survey to measure recall and recognition of the
advertising as well as attitudes toward smoking.
2004 LSU Image Study
- The Office of University Relations sponsored a follow-up study of their
2002 study to determine how the citizens of Louisiana view LSU and how that
opinion had changed over time. The 2004 study showed almost universal
improvement in LSU’s image from 2002.
2004 The Louisiana Survey
- The Louisiana Survey was created to measure the public’s opinion about
issues in our state. While there will be a core of questions that are asked
year after year, there will also be a section that will emphasize a
particular policy area. This year the emphasis was on free trade, health
care and attitudes toward same-sex couples.
Economic Impact of Culture and Tourism
- Working with UNO and the Office of Culture and Tourism, the Public
Policy Research Lab and the Division for Economic Development and
Forecasting will help quantify the impact of Louisiana’s cultural offerings
on the state economy.
Acadian Ambulance Employee Satisfaction Survey
- The Public Policy Research Lab surveyed current employees of Acadian
Ambulance using an internet survey. This information will then be used to
assess overall employee satisfaction as well as approval of specific
programs.
E.J. Ourso College of Business Administration Reputation Survey
- Working with faculty and staff of the Ourso College as well as the
Office of University Relations, the Public Policy Research Lab surveyed
deans and directors of accredited business colleges as well as business
recruiters. The survey was used to determine basic impressions as well as
levels of knowledge. This project is part of a larger effort to improve the
reputation of the Ourso College.
2003
Shaw Center for the Arts
- To guide programmatic decisions about the Shaw Center for the Arts, the
Public Policy Research Lab is surveying citizens in the greater Baton Rouge
area. The survey helped to determine what types of art people would like to
see as well as perceived barriers to participating in the arts.
Entergy Low Income Customers Study-Phase One
- Entergy is seeking to develop programs that will be effective in
assisting their low income customers. To do this the Public Policy Research
Lab will be surveying Entergy Customers and analyzing their financial
resources and spending practices. Phase One covered Entergy’s customer base
in East Texas.
Louisiana Insurance Coverage Study
- Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, this
study seeks to accurately determine the number of uninsured people in
Louisiana. In addition, it also examines the level of underinsured as well
as the reasons people report not carrying health insurance.
Elderly Needs Assessment Pilot Study
- Working in partnership with the LSU Life Course and Aging Studies
Initiative and the Catholic Community Services of Baton Rouge, the Public
Policy Research Lab is surveying 800 citizens in the greater Baton Rouge
area, ages 65 and older, to assess how well their physical, social and
psychological needs are being met. This study will serve a pilot before the
survey is conducted statewide.
Louisiana Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)
- Consumer confidence serves as a leading indicator, providing a valuable
tool for predicting the future performance of the economy. The Louisiana
consumer confidence index began with a survey in January 2000 and is now
released monthly by the Louisiana Department of Labor. We conduct surveys
each month, compute the index, and forward analysis to DOL. Our reports are
usually monthly, but depend on economic conditions. For example, after
September 11, we were briefing the Secretary of Labor on daily changes in
the consumer confidence.
Louisiana Workforce Investment Act Surveys (WIA)
- The federal government requires Louisiana to conduct customer service
surveys to determine the extent to which the WIA program serves the needs of
both workers and employers. States can receive substantial monetary bonuses
or penalties based on the results of this survey.
2003 The Louisiana Survey
- The Louisiana Survey was created to measure the public’s opinion about
issues in our state. While there will be a core of questions that are asked
year after year, there will also be a section that will emphasize a
particular policy area. This year the emphasis was on economic development
and education policy.
National Survey on Stem Cells and Therapeutic Cloning
- In fall 2003, the Manship School for Mass Communication sponsored a
study of citizens’ perceptions and attitudes toward emerging biotechnologies
such as stem cell research and cloning. The survey reveals that people’s
attitudes toward new technologies are at least partly a function of their
core attitudes and values.
Ohio Housing Study
- This study involved geocoding the response to 10,000 surveys mailed to
new home buyers in the state of Ohio. The responses will be matched to
census data to improve statistical estimation techniques.
LSU College of Education Graduate Survey
- The College of Education is tracking their graduates to determine how
well they felt LSU prepared them for teaching. In addition it is tracking
the career paths of the graduates to see how many leave the state of
Louisiana for another teacher position and how many leave the educational
field altogether (and why).
Chancellor’s Committee on Research
- In order to streamline the research process at LSU the Chancellor
formed a special ad hoc committee. To assist in their study the Public
Policy Research Lab conducted an internet study of LSU faculty and staff to
assess their satisfaction with various support units on campus.
LSU Evening School
- The Evening School conducted a survey to determine how they might
better meet the needs of the students they serve. While all students
expressed interest in additional programs, support was particularly high
among “nontraditional” students.
Louisiana Association of Non-Profit Organizations (LANO)
- The Louisiana Association of Non-Profit Organizations (LANO) wanted to
study perceptions toward nonprofits in Louisiana who that affects
contributions. Among other findings, the survey revealed that non-profit
organizations are among the most trusted institutions (compared to
businesses and government). There was also support for the new 211 service
information program.
Juvenile Justice
- As part of a partnership promoting reforms suggested by the Louisiana
Juvenile Justice Commission, the PPRL studied citizens’ attitudes about
potential bills in the state legislature. As found in studies in other
states, Louisiana citizens are much more receptive to alternatives to
prisons than popularly believed. The information gathered from the survey
was used as part of an overall effort that resulted in the reforms being
successfully adopted.
Arkansas Smoking Policy Survey
- The Arkansas counties of Benton and Washington wanted information about
current policies businesses had regarding smoking in the workplace. Through
this, an estimate of the impact of local regulation could be estimated. As
part of the study, there was a separate survey of residents to determine
support for changes in workplace smoking policies.
Board of Regents Citizen Input Survey
- The Louisiana Board of Regents wanted input from citizens concerning
changes to an educational institution in Alexandria, LA. The survey gauged
the awareness citizens had of the institution and also asked for suggestions
regarding a possible new name.
2002
Louisiana Business Confidence Index (BCI)
- The Louisiana Business Confidence Index is based on a quarterly survey
of Louisiana employers. The survey focuses on future plans for employment,
capital expenditures and the general business climate in Louisiana.
2002 The Louisiana Survey
- The first in a series of annual polls, The Louisiana Survey was created
to measure the public’s opinion about issues in our state. While there will
be a core of questions that are asked year after year, there will also be a
section that will emphasize a particular policy area. This first version
focused on budget and taxation policy.
Crime Stoppers
- A study for a local nonprofit organization was conduct in early
February. The Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers organization wanted to improve
their outreach to citizens by gaining a deeper understanding of the media
habits of respondents as well of their views of crime. The results of the
survey will allow Crime Stoppers to implement more effective crime
prevention policies.
Media and Ethics
- The Manship School for Mass Communication sponsored a national survey
to replicate a 1983 study that examined the public’s view of the ethical
standards held by journalists. This study will allow researchers to analyze
the how the public’s opinion changes over time.
Institutional Trust and the Media
- The Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs sponsored a national
survey to determine the effects on September 11 on the public’s support for
a variety of institutions. It combined several questions about trust of
government institutions from other national surveys. The study will also
compare the media to other institutions such as Congress and the military
especially concerning the coverage of Afghanistan.
LSU Image Study
- The Office of University Relations sponsored an image study to
determine how the citizens of Louisiana view LSU. This information can then
be used to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of LSU’s public outreach
effort.
Doctor Frank McMains Children’s Developmental Center Need Assessment
- Sponsored by the Governor’s Office, this survey identified what needs
former and current clients of the McMains Development Center have. The
center can then adapt what services they offer and how those services are
provided to better meet the needs of families with handicapped or disabled
children.
