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NORC at the University Chicago
NORC’s sample frame research enhances all our studies, ensuring clients receive high quality, cost-effective insights based on the most accurate population data available.

A sample frame is the foundation of any survey—the comprehensive list of people, households, or organizations from which researchers select participants. The quality of the frame is a key factor in determining whether your findings truly represent your target population.

Partner with NORC for sample frames that deliver: 

  • Unparalleled Coverage: Our frames incorporate multiple data sources for virtually complete population representation
  • Enriched Data: Enhanced address information with multilevel contextual data for sophisticated analysis
  • Cost-Efficient Design: Optimized data collection resources while maintaining statistical rigor
  • Flexibility: Support for mixed-mode research designs that evolve with your project needs

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Have a project in mind? Fill out our quick start form to get a quote. 

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Departments, Centers, & Programs

Research Divisions

The NORC National Frame

Providing a foundation for research projects of any scale—from nationwide landmark studies to targeted regional investigations.

Projects of All Sizes

Our National Sample Frame powers research across a spectrum of complexity and scale. While serving as the backbone for high-profile national studies, the modular design and comprehensive coverage of our National Frame make it equally valuable for more focused research initiatives, offering the same statistical rigor and representation without unnecessary overhead. 

Highlighted Projects

National Social Life, Health & Aging Project

A pioneering nationally representative study of the intersection between social and intimate relationships and healthy aging

Client:

National Institute on Aging

Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF)

The only fully representative source of data on the financial condition of US households

Client:

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

The General Social Survey

The most rigorous, widely used data on the attitudes, opinions, and behaviors of the American public

Client:

The National Science Foundation

Work With Us

NORC offers end-to-end sample frame solutions that combine methodological rigor with cost-effective implementation, maximizing research value and statistical validity while optimizing your resource investment.

Expert Consultation

Collaborate with our methodologists to design the optimal sampling approach for your research questions

Custom Sample Creation

Develop specialized samples for unique research requirements, including hard-to-reach populations

Multi-Modal Contact Enhancement

Improve response rates through optimized contact strategies using telephone, email, and other channels

Geographic Intelligence

Enrich your analysis with contextual data at multiple geographic levels Enrich your analysis with contextual data at multiple geographic levels

Advanced Characteristic Modeling

Enable sophisticated survey designs through custom stratification that leverage machine learning and big data

Coverage Solutions

Ensure representation across all environments and demographics

Visual Data Communication

Clarify findings through innovative mapping and spatial representation

Our Expertise

Our sample frame experts bring decades of combined experience in survey methodology, geographic information systems, and statistical design.

Frame Lab: Our Innovation Hub

NORC’s Frame Lab serves as our dedicated research and innovation center, powering the National Frame and numerous other sample designs.

Our multidisciplinary team of geographic specialists, data scientists, research methodologists, and statisticians collaborate to advance sampling methodology through:

  • Coverage Enhancement: Identifying and solving representation challenges across diverse populations 
  • Data Integration: Seamlessly combining multiple data sources to create richer sampling frames 
  • Methodological Rigor: Implementing validation protocols that ensure sample quality 
  • Adaptive Design: Enabling responsive research approaches that optimize resources 

Discover Our Research

How NORC Developed a More Accurate & Affordable Survey Sampling Method Using Satellite Imagery

Innovation Brief

An inside look at how NORC created its National Sample Frame, which powers many of our landmark studies.
Aerial view of a patchwork landscape with green fields, dirt paths, scattered trees, and a few buildings, partially covered by light clouds.

Ensuring Fair Representation for Cities & States through Accurate Census Data

Expert View

NORC senior research methodologist Lee Fiorio reflects on the importance of recent projects with the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to ensure the accuracy of Census data.
Chicago, IL, August 17, 2017: The L Train, or elevated train, runs through downtown Chicago during rush hour. Chicago's CTA offers trains and buses for commuters who work and live all over the city.

City of Chicago Census & Data Collaboration

NORC helps the City of Chicago advance efforts by ensuring accurate Census counts

Client:

City of Chicago

State of Illinois Census & Data Collaboration

NORC helps the State of Illinois ensure accurate Census counts

Client:

State of Illinois