Statistics and Methodology

Decision makers need reliable objective data and analysis to inform policy and allocate resources.  In a time where modes of communications continue to evolve at rapid rates and reaching and engaging respondents remains challenging, the NORC Statistics and Methodology department plays a critical role in designing and implementing successful surveys and analyzing the resulting data.

The Statistics and Methodology department pioneers innovations in all aspects of survey research.  NORC statisticians and methodologists help understand the cognitive processes underlying respondents’ reactions to surveys; design and implement rigorous, efficient methods for sampling from populations and weighting resultant survey data; and employ advanced techniques for analyzing and interpreting survey and secondary data.  The department collaborates with all NORC research departments and the Academic Research Centers, as well as conducts research in its own field.

The Center for Excellence in Survey Research is a related program that also helps insure the statistical integrity of the work performed at NORC.

Major Capabilities

• Statistical Sampling Methodology
• Sample Frame Creation and Maintenance
• National Frame Sample Design
• Address-Based Sampling (ABS)
• Random Digit Dial (RDD) Sampling
• Data Imputation
• Survey Weighting Methods
• Variance Estimation
• Small Area Estimation
• Total Survey Error Estimation
• Survey Data Collection Methodology
• Questionnaire Design
• Cognitive Interviewing
• Focus Groups
• Psychometrics
• Response Error Mechanisms
• Nonresponse Mechanisms
  
• Data Dissemination
• Disclosure Analysis
• Data Suppression
  

Data Analysis

• Generalized Linear Models
• Logistic Regression
• Factor Analysis
• Survival Analysis
• Categorical Data Analysis
• Item Response Theory
• Structural Equation Models
• Program Evaluation
• Economic Analysis
• Analysis of Variance
• Integrated Data Systems

Special Capabilities

In addition to NORC's core capabilities, the Statistics and Methodology Department has advanced skills in:

• Geographical information systems
• Statistical computing
• Administrative Records Research