Our Capabilities

SRG has a broad range of expertise and experience that allow us to conduct a variety of survey research and evaluation activities. Below is a summary of our capabilities.

Survey Research

Our team has extensive experience in designing data collection instruments and implementing surveys that range in size from fewer than 100 respondents to more than 75,000 respondents. Our work includes conceptualizing the information to be collected, developing and testing instruments, and conducting the survey. 

SRG has developed an integrative data collection system (IDCS) that offers computer-assisted telephone interviewing, data entry capabilities that include verification of all data entered, and web survey capabilities. Our IDCS offers an array of features such as complex skip patterns, randomization of questions, and pipelining. SRG’s standard approach includes rigorous quality control procedures throughout project design, implementation, and analysis.

Survey Design

The creation of the survey instrument is one of the most important steps in the research process, since all subsequent research actions depend on the accuracy and reliability of the questions that are being asked. Effective survey tools need to collect data that are directly connected to our clients’ information needs and their research agenda. SRG has created numerous survey instruments for all data collection modes as well as instruments for multi-mode data collection efforts.

SRG researchers are adept at developing survey items and response choices that are most appropriate depending on the survey mode(s). Additionally, SRG conducts extensive testing of survey instruments and uses different methods to validate items, including pretesting instruments with a small group of the target population, expert review, focus group testing, and cognitive interviewing.

Sample Design and Sampling

SRG offers extensive expertise in sample design and sampling procedures. We understand that a critical component of a rigorous data collection effort is a high-quality sample. We know how to identify the appropriate target population for a study, and we are well-versed in the best practices for developing a plan for reaching the target population, all with the ultimate goal of obtaining responses that are representative of the larger population of interest. We have experience with an array of sampling techniques, including proportionate and disproportionate stratified sampling, multi-stage cluster sampling, and complex combinations of sampling approaches. Further, our experience enables us to accurately estimate the sample size needed to obtain the desired number of completed surveys (whether telephone, mail, web, or multi-mode surveys) and produce results with the required confidence level and margin of error.

Telephone Surveys

SRG has superb telephone survey capabilities. Since its founding SRG has consistently had at least one active telephone survey project in progress and often several at the same time. The Data Collection Unit has 15 telephone interviewing stations, with expansion capabilities of up to 25 stations. Other telephone efforts include non-response prompting and recruitment for study or focus group participation.

Web Surveys

Web-based surveys offer many advantages in technology and programming that allow us to enhance the flow and comprehensibility of survey questions through the use of pop-up instructions, drop-down boxes, randomization strategies, piping, and skip patterns. SRG has created its own customized, Section 508 and FIPS 140 compliant web survey capabilities so that we can provide our clients with the web-based survey features, layout, and appearance they require.

Mail Surveys

Professional questionnaire design and meticulous attention to detail lay the foundation for SRG's scientifically valid mail-out surveys. Our capabilities allow us to handle the simplest of mail-outs of stand-alone surveys, to complex multi-wave surveys with prenotification and reminder letters.

In-Depth Interviewing

SRG has extensive experience conducting in-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews with a variety of audiences including legislative leaders, business leaders, health care professionals, non-profit organization leaders, government agencies, program participants, and the general public.

Focus Groups

SRG facilitators have conducted hundreds of in-person and virtual focus groups. We use focus groups for issue identification, question development for quantitative studies, case studies (in combination with other methods), information or opinion gathering from specific groups, and customer satisfaction/needs assessments. Focus group moderation is conducted by SRG's senior staff members.

Site Visits/Observations

SRG researchers have conducted site visits in locations such as educational settings (e.g., classrooms, early learning facilities, after-school programs), military facilities, and local health agencies. These site visits often include observational data collection, review of organizational documentation, and one-on-one and/or group interviews with program administrators, staff, and participants.

Data Analysis and Reporting

SRG data analysts have extensive backgrounds in advanced analytical techniques including multiple forms of regression analysis, structural equation modeling, factor analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance. SRG’s analysts are also highly proficient in qualitative data analysis. We have extensive experience in coding, summarizing, and interpreting qualitative data from case studies, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and open-ended survey questions. Regardless of the analyses that are performed, SRG recognizes that one of the most important aspects of any project is turning the findings into clear, straightforward, and useful results for informed decision-making. SRG develops feasible, actionable recommendations that enable our clients to make improvements to their programs and address the concerns of their stakeholders.