Projects 2009-2011



2011 Projects

Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System Survey

Established in 1984 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a state-based system of health surveys that collects information on health risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and health care access primarily related to chronic disease and injury. Currently, data are collected monthly in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. States use BRFSS data to identify emerging health problems, establish and track health objectives, and develop and evaluate public health policies and programs. Many states also use BRFSS data to support health-related legislative efforts. In July 2008, PPRL began data collection for BRFSS.

Disaster Preparedness Survey

Contracted by the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Public Policy Research Lab conducted this survey to assess people’s level of preparedness for hurricane season in Louisiana. Specifically, the survey was concerned with the State of Louisiana’s “Get a Game Plan” campaign and how familiar residents of Louisiana were with it. Data from the survey assessed how successful the statewide disaster preparedness marketing campaign actually was.

Survey of Mississippi Flyway Waterfowl Hunters

Contracted by LSU Ph.D candidate Luke Laborde, the Public Policy Research Lab conducted this survey to assess various perceptions of waterfowl hunting for respondents. The PPRL distributed this survey to via mail with questions focusing on nationwide or Canadian hunting location preferences and personal identity questions regarding being a waterfowl hunter.

Louisiana Survey

The 2011 Louisiana Survey was sponsored by the Manship School of Mass Communication’s Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs at LSU. The Public Policy Research Lab conducted the survey which assessed the opinions of Louisiana residents on state government services and attempted to identify political issues that Louisianans were most concerned with. Data from this survey assists in better understanding how residents of Louisiana feel about the overall direction of the state as a whole.

Louisiana Department of Labor Job Vacancy Survey

To measure labor shortages in the state, the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) has partnered with the PPRL to survey over 8000 businesses about what job vacancies they have. This survey will be performed annually to track changes over time. Results of this survey help LDOL better support both small and large businesses across the state.

Early Childhood Education Survey

Sponsored by Tulane Professor of Psychiatry Geoff Nagle, the Public Policy Research Lab conducted this survey to investigate the attitudes about early childhood education in the greater New Orleans area. The survey asked respondents whether or not they favored or opposed a number of early childhood programs and given the current budgetary obstacles did they feel that early childhood education should be a priority for Louisiana.

Louisiana Health Insurance Survey

Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), 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, DHH can track trends in insurance coverage over time.

Louisiana Volunteer Survey

Sponsored by the Louisiana Serve Commission, the Public Policy Research Lab conducted this survey to examine volunteerism patterns in the state of Louisiana. Established by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the State of Louisiana, the purpose of the Serve Commission is to understand trends in the level of volunteer activity in Louisiana. The short survey asked respondents questions concerning their recent volunteer activity and plans for future volunteer activity.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting Public Square

The Public Policy Research Lab works with Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) to recruit citizens to participate in town hall meetings called Louisiana Public Square. The meetings cover a variety of topics including taxes, crime, race, economic development, health insurance and education. Meetings are held at various locations state wide and the show is broadcast monthly.



2010 Projects

Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (Annual)

Established in 1984 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a state-based system of health surveys that collects information on health risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and health care access primarily related to chronic disease and injury. Currently, data are collected monthly in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. States use BRFSS data to identify emerging health problems, establish and track health objectives, and develop and evaluate public health policies and programs. Many states also use BRFSS data to support health-related legislative efforts. PPRL first began data collection for BRFSS in July of 2008.
Link:
http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/technical_infodata/surveydata.htm

Louisiana Survey

The 2010 Louisiana Survey was sponsored by the Manship School of Mass Communication’s Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs at LSU. The Public Policy Research Lab conducted the survey which gauged the opinions of Louisiana residents on state government services and attempted to identify political issues about which Louisianans were most concerned. Data from this survey contributes to a better understanding how residents of Louisiana feel about the overall direction of the state as a whole.

BREC Perception Survey

In partnership with the Recreation and Park Commission for East Baton Rouge Parish (BREC), the Public Policy Research Lab conducted the survey to gather information on the perceptions of performance of BREC from residents of East Baton Rouge Parish. Overall, the survey found that perceptions of BREC’s performance were favorable.

Louisiana Department of Labor Job Vacancy Survey

To measure labor shortages in the state, the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) has partnered with the PPRL to survey over 8,000 businesses about what job vacancies exist, and what sources employers use to fill available positions. This survey will be performed annually to track changes over time. Results of this survey help LDOL better support both small and large businesses across the state.

CityStats Survey

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation and the Newton B. Thomas Support Foundation commissioned the Public Policy Research Lab to conduct this study on Baton Rouge resident’s quality of life. CityStats information covered diverse topics including recreation and culture, crime and public safety, social wellbeing, civic participation, and more.

Louisiana Department of Economic Development Workforce Needs Survey

The Public Policy Research Lab conducted a survey about workforce needs in Louisiana on behalf of Louisiana Economic Development, the department responsible for strengthening the state's business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. Both large and small businesses were surveyed for information about workforce vacancies, the required qualifications for positions and more. Ultimately, this information will benefit individual businesses by potentially helping legislators devise more business-friendly policies.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting Public Square

The Public Policy Research Lab works with Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) to recruit citizens to participate in town hall meetings called Louisiana Public Square. The meetings cover a variety of topics including taxes, crime, race, economic development, health insurance and education. Meetings are held at various locations state wide and the show is broadcast monthly. The program is an important venue for citizens to discuss issues affecting their daily lives.

College of Business BP Oil Spill Survey

In conjunction with Tulane University, the Public Policy Research Lab contacted managers and owners to gather information on how businesses had been affected by the BP oil spill and subsequent drilling moratorium. The short survey was concerned with how the BP disaster affected current business and future prospects.

College of Business BP Oil Spill Survey

In conjunction with Tulane University, the Public Policy Research Lab contacted managers and owners to gather information on how businesses had been affected by the BP oil spill and subsequent drilling moratorium. The short survey was concerned with how the BP disaster affected current business and future prospects.

Social Network Oil Spill Survey

The Public Policy Research Lab was contracted by LSU Political Science Professors Christopher Kenny and Chris Weber to conduct a survey to examine how people’s social networks affect their response to the BP Oil Spill. The questionnaire was designed to investigate how people use other people for support and information during a disaster. Data from this survey was used to help better understand how people interact with family members and friends during times of crises.

LSU Katrina Recovery Survey for Greater New Orleans

Commissioned by LSU faculty, the purpose of this survey was to assess how residents of Greater New Orleans have recovered from Hurricane Katrina. The survey was interested in previous and current residents of Greater New Orleans and their plans of leaving or staying in the areas so heavily affected by Katrina. Questions on the survey were also interested in if respondents evacuated because of Hurricane Katrina and how long they were gone.

Health Impact of BP Oil Spill Disaster

LSU Department of Sociology Professors Matthew R. Lee and Troy C. Blanchard contracted the Public Policy Research Lab to conduct this survey to examine how the Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster has impacted the health of coastal Louisiana residents. Findings from the survey suggest that the human health impacts of the disaster are real and substantial. The findings suggest that physical symptoms, negative emotional states, and disruptions to daily routines are apparent and widespread.

Louisiana Green Jobs Survey

In partnership with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the Public Policy Research Lab conducted this survey to investigate the number of jobs in Louisiana dedicated to improving and conserving the environment. The survey was also interested in the types of jobs that businesses that are considered “green” and if those positions are full or part-time. Finally, questions on the survey asked HR managers what types of skills were necessary to be employed in many of the “green” job positions identified.

State of Mississippi Green Jobs Survey

Sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, the MS Green Jobs survey examined the number and types of jobs in Mississippi dedicated to protecting and restoring the environment. Similar to the LA Green Jobs survey, HR managers were contacted and asked a number of questions regarding these types of jobs and the skills necessary to hold such positions. The Public Policy Research Lab conducted this survey via mail.

Louisiana GOEA Legal Needs Survey

Sponsored by the Louisiana Governor’s Office on Elderly Affairs (GOEA), the Legal Needs Survey examined the accessibility to legal services that elderly citizens of Louisiana may encounter. Questions on the survey asked respondents over 60 years of age about their need of legal advice on a range of topics from Government benefits (i.e. Medicaid/Medicare and Social Security) to tax issues (i.e. IRS and income tax disputes). Findings from the survey were used to help expand and improve upon the legal services offered to Louisiana’s senior citizens.

Center for Adult Learners in Louisiana (CALL) Telephone Survey

Contracted by the LSU Department of Psychology on behalf of Center for Adult Learners in Louisiana (CALL), the Public Policy Research Lab conducted this survey to assess the learning needs and preferences of adults in Louisiana. This survey aided CALL in developing improved strategies for delivering educational services to adults across Louisiana. The focus of the survey was on respondent’s educational history and familiarity with the CALL programs.

Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs Oil Spill Survey

Sponsored by the Manship School of Mass Communication’s Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs, the 2010 Oil Spill survey was conducted by the Public Policy Research Lab to provide “real time” data on coastal residents’ perceptions of the disaster and their evaluations of public and private response efforts. Data from this project will help better understand how news coverage affected perceptions of the oil spill.



2009 Projects

Business Climate Survey

In partnership with the Department of Management at Louisiana State University and the National Federation of Independent Business, this survey gathered critical information on the current status and needs of Louisiana businesses by measuring the pulse of the economic climate for small businesses.

Chester Wilmot Hurricane Study

This study was led by a doctoral student at Louisiana State University in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Transportation. The study explored travel patterns during hurricane evacuation in and around the New Orleans area. This specific study investigates evacuation after Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

Daycare Providers Survey

This survey explored how knowledgeable child care providers are about Louisiana’s Quality Start Child Care Rating System and the School Readiness Tax Credits. This survey helped gage how many providers are using the services, why providers choose not to use these services, and how to improve upon them.

Department of Health and Hospitals Consumer Right to Know Survey

The Department of Health and Hospitals commissioned this survey to better understand how people learn about health care services and providers. The results of this survey will be used by state policy-makers to provide citizens with information about health care services, quality, and costs. The results of this survey helped DHH create this informational Web site, www.HealthFingerLA.gov , as part of its Consumer Right to Know initiative.

Hurricane HIPIP Survey

Commissioned by LSU faculty, the goal of this study was to improve the way that warnings and other crisis messages are communicated to Louisiana residents during hazards.

John Westra Corn Production Survey

This survey was distributed through the mail to a sample of corn farmers nationwide. The survey obtained information about farmer’s fertility management practices, how farmers respond to changes in input costs and output prices, production risks, and policies of agriculture, energy and the environment. This survey was conducted by the Louisiana State University Department of Agriculture Economics.

Junior League of Baton Rouge Hollydays Survey

The Junior League of Baton Rouge commissioned a survey at their annual Hollydays event, a Christmas shopping extravaganza held annually. Responses helped gage shopper’s satisfaction with vendors, items for purchase, prices, food and more. The Junior League will use this information to improve future events.

Louisiana Book Festival Survey

The Louisiana Book Festival survey is distributed to festival attendees to help gage satisfaction of events and activities at the annual festival. Responses help the Louisiana Book Festival planning committee make decisions about what activities, vendors and services to provide at future events.

Louisiana Department of Labor Job Vacancy Survey

To measure labor shortages in the state, the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) has partnered with the PPRL to survey over 8000 businesses about what job vacancies they have. This survey will be performed annually to track changes over time. Results of this survey help LDOL better support both small and large businesses across the state.

Louisiana Federation of Teachers Survey

This survey was commissioned by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT) to better understand awareness and opinions of public school teachers statewide on educational reform in Louisiana. The results help LFT gain the opinions of members so that it can best represent them to local, state and national leaders. Ultimately results may inform educational policy in the state.

Louisiana Health Insurance Survey

Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), 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, DHH can track trends in insurance coverage over time.

Louisiana Purchasing Department Survey

This survey was commissioned on behalf of the Office of Purchasing and Property Management to gain feedback on how to better serve state employees.

Louisiana Quality Forum Survey

This study was conducted on behalf of the Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum to gain understanding about the quality of medical care people receive in central Louisiana. The information will be used by the LHQF as it works in partnership with community members and leaders locally and on the state level to conduct quality improvement and patient empowerment activities.

Louisiana Tourism Visiting Friends and Family Survey

This survey is commissioned by New Orleans Metropolitan Convention Visitors Bureau in partnership with the University of New Orleans. The survey tracks tourism in the Greater New Orleans area by contacting residents who have had friends and relatives visit them.

LSU AgCenter Charter Boat Survey

This survey commissioned by the Louisiana State University AgCenter is conducted once every ten years to examine the recreational for-hire (RFH) charter industry in the northern Gulf of Mexico (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Florida). This survey provides important information about the economic structure and impact of this industry.

LSU Branding Project Research

The 2009 Prospective Student Survey was designed to provide insight into potential students’ perceptions of Louisiana State University. Both in-state and out-of-state students were surveyed. Results of this survey will help the university to better target prospective students through effective communication and marketing campaigns.

LSU College of Engineering Survey

The College of Engineering at LSU commissioned this survey as they began a major strategic planning effort. The survey results will help the College of Engineering better understand how they are perceived in the community, the strengths and weaknesses of their programs, and how to better serve the community. 

LSU Copy and Mail Center Survey

This survey commissioned by the LSU Copy and Mail Center was used to gage uses and knowledge by students and staff of the services of the Copy and Mail Center. Information from this survey helps the Center make important service and marketing decisions.

LSU Department of Renewable Natural Resources Mail Survey

Commissioned by the LSU Department of Renewable Natural Resources (RNR), this study looks at Louisiana hunters who intended to hunt waterfowl in the 2009 hunting season. The goal of this study is to get background information on Louisiana waterfowl hunters, including their satisfaction, preferences and activities related to the sport. This information will help the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service to make better decisions for waterfowl hunters.

Manship Alumni Survey

The Manship School of Mass Communications at Louisiana State University conducted a survey of the school’s graduates to better understand the job market that students are entering and how well the Manship school has prepared students for the job market. Survey results will help the school adjust curriculum and course offerings to better job opportunities for students.

McMain’s Children’s Development Center Parent Survey

Sponsored by the Governor’s Office, this survey identified the needs former and current clients of the McMains Development Center. 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. Results reveal if parents are informed, can find services, use the services that are available, are satisfied with services, and difficulties that affect their daily lives.