OIRA is responsible for planning and administering several University-wide surveys (including coordination of survey planning, sample selection, administration, analysis, and communication of findings). Surveys that we have worked on have included:
We also serve as a consultant to offices and schools in areas of survey design and analysis. Our priority is survey projects that serve as tools for overall institutional or school-based assessment; OIRA does not support surveys for specific academic research projects unless there is a clear connection with institutional improvement or Harvard’s goals of student success and equity.
OIRA has a unique vantage point and knowledge of surveys being conducted across the University; as such, OIRA tracks survey administration dates, samples, and response rates as available and works to coordinate large survey efforts as needed to ensure these data collection efforts do not overlap or interfere with each other.
Want to partner with us on a survey project?
Contact us with your ideas, using the following as your guide:
1. What are your research questions?
2. What is your timeline? How might this conflict with other surveys?
3. What is your target population?
4. Do you plan to use incentives for participation?
5. Who, specifically, will the results of the survey be shared with?
6. Have you drafted an instrument, or will an existing instrument be used?
7. Will the survey responses be anonymous or confidential?