School of Public Affairs graduate students design survey featured in Tampa Bay Times

Megan Corn and Savannah Havird, graduate assistants and researchers in the USF School of Public Affairs, recently conducted a survey that aimed to evaluate immigration and border security.

Shared in the Tampa Bay Times, the survey, which was part of ongoing research, was fielded through an online web panel (May 6-9) and sponsored by the Florida Center for Cybersecurity. Respondents included a nationally representative sample of 1,500 registered voters, and the results are reported with a margin of error +/-2.5% (95% confidence). To ensure the sample was representative of the national population, the pair established quotas based on U.S. Census data, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, and political affiliation.

The research duo also implemented quality control measures to ensure data integrity, including attention checks and consistency validations. These measures were crucial in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the responses. The responses were analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends and correlations among the key measures. Focus was placed on understanding how social media use influences political stress.
 
According to Corn, care was taken to consider the polarizing nature of the topics being surveyed.
 
“When designing questions on sensitive topics like immigration and border security, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, it's essential to use neutral and unbiased language to ensure the questions do not lead respondents toward a particular answer or imply any value judgment. Clarity and simplicity are also crucial; questions should be straightforward and free from complex or technical jargon to avoid confusion. Given the personal and emotional nature of these topics, approaching them with sensitivity and respect is important to ensure respondents feel comfortable and valued.”

She added that avoiding leading questions is another critical consideration, which helps to ensure that responses are genuine and not influenced by the wording of the question.

“As a general rule, these questions should be asked in a manner that allows all respondents to feel comfortable answering truthfully, regardless of their beliefs or policy positions.”

Corn and Havird acknowledge that additional surveys on these topics are necessary to more comprehensively understand any significant shifts in public opinion.

“The survey is the first in a series to specifically address immigration and border security. So, while we do not have statistical insights into trends surrounding voters’ attitudes on immigration and border security, we are seeing a general increase in issue polarization that can be attributed to the wider political climate, specifically the increasingly hostile rhetoric of political elites and the growing role of social media in political discourse,” Corn explained.
 
Havird notes that public opinion surveys are powerful tools for data collection and dissemination to better inform various groups in positions of decision-making.
 
“[These surveys] provide a clear picture of what the public thinks, believes, and prefers. This is essential for policymakers, businesses, and organizations because it helps them make decisions that align with the needs and desires of the people they serve,” she explained.
 
“For governments and public institutions, understanding public sentiment can guide the development of policies and programs that are more likely to be accepted and effective. It ensures that decisions are made with the public's best interests in mind. Additionally, public opinion surveys are crucial for tracking changes in societal attitudes over time. This helps in identifying trends and anticipating future needs and challenges. It also promotes democratic engagement by giving people a voice and making them feel heard and valued in societal and governmental processes. Surveys can also help mitigate conflicts by identifying areas of dissatisfaction within a population, allowing for proactive measures to address these issues before they escalate.”
 
Havird added that from an academic standpoint, surveys are fundamental for understanding human behavior and system dynamics, providing valuable data that can inform a wide range of studies and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
 
“Overall, public opinion surveys are a powerful tool for ensuring that decision-making processes across various sectors are responsive, responsible, and aligned with the public's needs and preferences,” she said.
 
For Corn and Havird, the experience of being able to design, evaluate, and analyze this survey as part of their graduate studies, has provided critical hands-on involvement during their research.
 
“[During this process] students can apply theoretical knowledge and gain experience that enhances their understanding of survey methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques. Involving graduate students also improves critical thinking and analytical skills,” said Havird. “Assessing survey data requires careful interpretation and the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from complex datasets. This process helps graduate students develop a critical eye for detail and strengthens their ability to analyze and synthesize information, which are essential skills in any research-oriented career.”
 
She added that collaboration between faculty, researchers, and graduate students also promotes a positive academic environment, encouraging mentorship and the exchange of ideas, which can lead to more comprehensive research outcomes.
 
“This collaborative approach ensures that the surveys are designed and assessed with a high level of rigor and accuracy. Involving graduate students in this process prepares them for future careers in academia, government, or the private sector. It equips them with the skills and experience needed to conduct independent research, manage projects, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.”