The initial meeting is free, and may include clarifying research objectives, designing the structure of the research, planning the data analysis, or interpreting results.

The SRC, in conjunction with the Statistical Consulting Center, can develop an appropriate sampling strategy tailored to the specific research question, whether by random digit dialing, stratified sampling, clustering or other more complex designs.

Writing effective survey questions is both an art and a science. The SRC will work with a client to craft a survey instrument that takes into account what information is sought, who will be answering the questions, how the survey will be conducted (mail, phone, etc.) and what kinds of analysis are needed.

Using focus groups and/or statistical item-analysis, the SRC can help to ensure the scientific integrity of a survey by testing questions on a small sub-sample before interviewing the full sample.

The SRC's computer-aided telephone interviewing lab provides a cost-effective approach for local, statewide, or national polls, and the Center also has efficient procedures and facilities for mail-out surveys (postal and e-mail) or face-to-face interviews (focus groups and door-to-door).

The SRC works with the Statistical Consulting Center to provide whatever analytic services are needed, from data entry through basic percentage tabulations or complex multivariate statistics.

As needed, the SRC can provide just a raw data file, in Excel, SPSS or other formats; a basic statistical report showing response percentages; a more elaborate narrative report with cross-tabulations, graphs, and discussion of findings; and/or professional briefings of interested individuals, such as top managers or constituents.