Marc Farinella, Senior Advisor for Strategy and External Relations, Center for Effective Government

321.271.6622

How can we help policy makers make the right choices about data collection and evaluation methodologies?

The Center for Survey Methodology, established in 2014, supports research projects on the methodology of data collection and evaluation, hosts guest speakers, organizes small group meetings and conferences, and manages Harris Public Policy's Certificate in Survey Research. The Center works closely with other academic units in the University as well as with NORC at the University of Chicago. The oldest university-based social research organization in the United States, NORC engages in research and data analysis in numerous public policy fields including health, education, economics, crime, justice, energy, security, and the environment.

In addition to being an intellectually vibrant area in social research methodology, survey research is a field that provides terrific professional opportunities for our students. Students earning the Certificate in Survey Research will be well positioned for careers in both the public and the private sectors. Furthermore, in combination with other certificates, such as the Certificate in Health Policy, it can give students a distinct advantage in certain job markets.

The Center’s Academic Director is Colm O'Muircheartaigh, professor at Harris, who served as dean of Harris from 2009 to 2014; he is also a senior fellow in NORC. Marc Farinella, former COO of Harris, lecturer and senior fellow, serves as the center's executive director.

Colm

Professor

Colm O'Muircheartaigh

Colm A. O'Muircheartaigh served as dean of Harris from 2009 to 2014. His research covers survey sample design, measurement errors, and cognitive aspects of question wording, among others. He is a senior fellow in NORC, where he oversees the development of methodological innovations in sample design.