Current Projects
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 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.
