Division of Surveys and Technologies (DST)

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Data processing.
SRC maintains a large in-house Novell and Microsoft network with state of the art e-mail, document exchange, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and statistical analysis capabilities. In addition, the computing unit supports links to the University of Michigan's distributed computing environment, which provides a modern Unix-based computing environment as well as national and international communications links to all of the researchers in the SRC.

SRC also maintains a cluster of UNIX servers and provides both hardware and software support to research programs and technical units within SRC. There is a direct Internet connection from all work stations. Our computing resources include the following:

• More than 800 Pentium-based PC's;
• More than 1000 Pentium-based laptops;
• 10-100 Base-T Ethernet network with high-speed Ethernet switch;
• 40 networked servers;
• Several terabytes of on-line disk space;
• Microsoft Exchange e-mail and remote e-mail;
• Robotic daily tape backups of all file servers with off-site storage; and
• 100 mb fiber optic connection to Internet.

SRC has been a leader in local area networking in the social sciences beginning with the installation of the first operational Novell network on the University of Michigan campus in 1986.

Computing applications at SRC have been developed to provide a smooth flow through the entire data collection process from beginning stages of questionnaire development to final data set production and documentation. The ability to integrate CATI and CAPI with data entry, all utilizing the same system provides the best possible environment for quality control and efficiency. Programming currently under way includes the development of state-of-the-art imputation and sampling error estimation programs and the development of Java applications for the dissemination of survey data on CD-ROM and the Internet.

Research design and development.
The Research Design and Development (RDD) unit of the Division of Surveys and Technologies is the gateway to the Division of Surveys and Technologies within the Institute for Social Research. RDD responds to inquiries about survey collaboration (data collection), consultation on survey design, sample design, and survey analysis, or other requests for survey related information. RDD also facilitates referrals to other units within the Division or the ISR at large, as needs for expertise are identified. For decisions about DST's interest and capability to conduct specific surveys, the RDD consults with the Division's Research Development Team, before any agreement to conduct a survey.

Please see the Survey Information Request Form to inquire about capability and costs for conducting a survey with ISR.

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SRC Director's Office
Survey Research Center
1355 ISR Building
P.O. Box 1248
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Phone: 734-764-8365

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