2008 Oregon Population Board

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What is the Oregon Population Survey?: The Oregon Population Survey is a biennial survey conducted by the State of Oregon. Survey questions are developed by various state agencies and many of the questions have been asked since the beginning of the program in 1990. Results from the surveys are used to provide state agencies, elected officials, and even citizens a wealth of information about the state’s population. Specifically, the data is used to monitor socioeconomic trends of the state’s population over the years. The research is also a way for state agencies to understand how citizens feel about certain ideas or concepts so that they can make informed policy decisions.

The survey is conducted by the Oregon Progress Board. Opinion Research Northwest, Inc. (www.opinionresearch.com/northwest) is an independent contractor hired by the Oregon Progress Board to conduct the interviews. Opinion Research Northwest (previously known as Northwest Research Group) has conducted this survey for the state since 2002.
How was I chosen for the survey?: Potential participants for the State Population Survey are selected at random from all Oregon households with telephones. By selecting participants randomly, we will be able to represent what the whole population of Oregon looks like and how they think. It's important to participate so that we have an accurate picture of Oregon households and families.
How many people are you calling?: In total, we will survey over 3,500 Oregon households.
If I participate, how long will the survey take and what kinds of questions are you asking?: The interview takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete, depending on the number of people living in your household. The survey includes questions about employment, income, education, and health insurance coverage.

In appreciation of the time required to complete the survey, all households that complete the entire survey will receive $5. You must complete the entire survey to be eligible.

To make it easier to participate, we are offering the option for your household to complete a section of the survey online.
If I participate, will the state or anyone else see my personal information?: No. Unless you permit otherwise, your name and telephone number will be stripped from the data so that your personal information remains completely confidential. Even the state will not know “who” completed the survey. Your information will be grouped and analyzed with that of many other residents across the state.
Why is my participation important?: Unlike the U.S. Census, the Oregon Population Survey does not ask questions of everyone in the state. Instead, to be more cost efficient, a random sample of residents is surveyed. Each participating resident will represent many more residents with similar characteristics. Your participation is important because you and your household will be representing several more like you.
What if I don’t know an answer to a question?: It is perfectly fine if you do not know the answers to some of the questions. Most of the questions are based on your opinions, so there really is no right or wrong question. Other questions require that you know specific information about your household, such as your household’s income. If you are not sure of the exact answer, just answer the question as best as you can.
Why do you need to know my household’s income, and other personal information?: There are two main reasons that we ask for personal information like your household’s income. First, we are only talking to a random selection of residents across the state, so it is important for us to know if the group we survey is representative of the entire state’s population. The best way for us to do that is to compare demographics from the people we survey to the demographics of the entire population. Second, opinions are often influenced by one’s background, location of residence, and demographics. We collect this information so that we can best analyze the data to serve people of all walks of life. Remember, your name and telephone number will not be linked with the personal information that you give us.
How do I know you’ll keep my information confidential?: We are required by law to keep your information confidential. After all the interviews are completed, the identifying information - your name, address, and phone number - are removed from the data file and destroyed.

Opinion Research Northwest is a member of the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO). We abide by the strict business and ethics guidelines of this nationally recognized organization. For more information on the Code of Ethics that member organizations must sign, go to http://www.casro.org/codeofstandards.cfm.
I would like to speak directly to someone at Opinion Research Northwest or the State of Oregon for more information. Who would I contact?: If you have further questions, please contact Cheryl Russell at Opinion Research Northwest (800) 859-2132. Or you may send her an e-mail at crussell@nwrg.com.

At the state, you may contact Jay Grussing at the Oregon Progress Board. His telephone number is (503) 378-3205. Or you may send him an e-mail at Jay.Grussing@state.or.us.
How do I find out about the survey results?: If you would like more information about the results of previous studies conducted for the State of Oregon, please visit the Oregon Progress board website at http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/OPB and click on the Population Survey link.
Thank you for your interest in the 2008 Oregon Population Survey!

What is the Oregon Population Survey?

How was I chosen for the survey?

How many people are you calling?

If I participate, how long will the survey take and what kinds of questions are you asking?

If I participate, will the state or anyone else see my personal information?

Why is my participation important?

What if I don’t know an answer to a question?

Why do you need to know my household’s income, and other personal information?

How do I know you’ll keep my information confidential?

I would like to speak directly to someone at Opinion Research Northwest or the State of Oregon for more information. Who would I contact?

How do I find out about the survey results?

Thank you for your interest in the 2008 Oregon Population Survey!