Research Topic: Politics and Public Affairs

Northwest Health Foundation: 2006 Survey

Study Year: 2006
Research Topics: Community Planning, Healthcare, Organizational Image and Branding, Politics and Public Affairs
Abstract:

A statewide survey research conducted in November, 2006 to provide a baseline about values, beliefs, and priorities of Oregonians about the health of the public. Along with other research and public involvement efforts, this information will be used by the Northwest Health Foundation and its partners to develop and promote specific initiatives to improve the public’s health. The primary survey was conducted online, with respondents drawn randomly from an established panel1 of Oregonians (n=1,355). A smaller telephone survey was conducted (n=417) to validate and supplement the online survey research findings. Respondents were age 18 and over. The primary survey was conducted online, with respondents drawn randomly from an established panel1 of Oregonians (n=1,355). A smaller telephone survey was conducted (n=417) to validate and supplement the online survey research findings. Respondents were age 18 and over. Respondents emphasized the importance of affordable and accessible health care for all, as well as the overall health and well-being of people in their communities.

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PolicyInteractive: Finding Common Ground in a Divided Political Culture 2017-2018

Study Year: 2017, 2018
Research Topics: General Values and Beliefs, Politics and Public Affairs
Abstract:

In December of 2017, PolicyInteractive surveyed 1200 registered voters from four states, which was reduced to a sample size of 1103 after we removed invalided surveys. Of the 1103 respondents, 518 are registered to vote in Oregon. The four states, Oregon, Washington, California and Colorado, were mainly chosen to increase respondent numbers as well as to examine how Oregon might share political values with specific western states for collaborative purposes. Through this project, we made the discovery that Oregon is not as polarized as the November 2016 election results would suggest. Despite the stark red-and-blue divisions exposed by many of the choices on the ballot, most Oregonians share common ground on important issues — notably climate change and health care. Building on surveys conducted on a national scale by the Pew Research Group, this project involved sorting Oregonians into eight political archetypes or typologies, ranging from “Solid Liberals” on the far left to “Core Conservatives” on the far right. We found that in Oregon, only 30 percent hold opinions that place them in those solid blue liberal or bright red conservative outer bands of the political spectrum. The remaining 70 percent comprise six other voter archetypes in which liberal and conservative ideas are mixed in surprising ways. Of 25 defining topics often parlayed as divisive, only five can be observed as truly contested. The larger picture displays opportunities for cooperation and progress on challenging topics most Oregonians want solutions on.

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The Chalkboard Project: Public Attitudes Toward K-12 Education in Oregon, 2004

Study Year: 2004
Research Topics: Education, Organizational Image and Branding, Politics and Public Affairs
Abstract:

Davis, Hibbitts and Midghall, Inc. (DHM) is pleased to present the following description of the opinion research methodology used for the Chalkboard Project (Chalkboard). The research was conducted to assist with development of an overall strategy for addressing public education quality, accountability, and financing in Oregon.

The research had two components:

· Quantitative Research: Statewide telephone and online survey research to quantify Oregonians’ opinions about K-12 public education, including their feelings about proposals to address problems related to education quality, accountability, and finance. Statewide Telephone Baseline Survey: This quantitative research involved a statewide telephone survey of Oregon’s general population age 18+ conducted between April 17 -25, 2004. The sample size was 1800. A stratified (rather than proportional) sample was used for the survey to better understand attitudes in different areas of the state. Three hundred respondents were selected from each of six regions of the state: Portland Metro, Coastal, Willamette Valley, Southern, Central, and Eastern. Statewide Online Initiative Testing: An online survey was completed by 800 Oregonians to learn how they felt about Chalkboard’s initiatives. Final results for the online survey were statistically weighted to account for any variations and to assure a valid sample. Statewide Online Parent Survey: Three surveys were developed to learn how parents felt about the issue of parental involvement. Versions of the questionnaires were developed for households with children age 5-10, 11-14, and 15-18. Respondents came from the panel referred to above and 200 households with a child in the appropriate age range completed each survey.

Qualitative Research: Focus group discussions and one-on-one interviews to learn more about the attitudes of Oregonians and representatives of stakeholder groups (e.g, teachers, principals, and parents) toward public education and a significant statewide civic engagement process, which reached out and heard from Oregonians in all 36 counties. We used different types of data collection exercises in the focus groups. Examples include role playing, free associations, linear mapping, guided fantasy, and sentence completion. Each of these proved valuable in bringing out different ideas, elaborating on expressed attitudes and reported behavior, and probing for underlying motivations. In addition, in most of the group discussions, participants completed at least one written questionnaire to help identify quantitative boundaries and changes in opinion during the course of the group meeting. Various focus groups were composed of school board members, students, teachers, parents, principals, statewide focus groups, as well as two groups composed of special needs students and their parents.

The research provided valuable insight into student achievement assessments, general problems with the K-12 education system, best practices, and roles for Chalkboard, Teachers, Principals, and Parents.

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