Questions and Answers

What is the survey about? What subjects will be covered?

The survey covers a range of topics: we will ask about your experiences in the current economic and political climate, your reactions to current political, social and economic issues, and your beliefs about our leaders and the future of the country. We will also ask some demographic questions about you and your family, to ensure that the sample is, in total, representative of the entire U.S. population. At the end of the survey, we will ask you to evaluate your experience taking the survey to help us make it better for the people who take it after you.

How long will it take me to complete the survey?

Most people can complete the survey in 20 to 30 minutes. We think the questions are interesting and you will enjoy the chance to express your opinions in a scientific survey not affiliated with any political group, candidate, or media outlet in particular.

When should I start the survey?

Begin the survey at a time convenient for you. Most people will respond within 2 or 3 days. We may send you a reminder after a few days.

Who qualifies to take the survey?

Only those people who received a specific invitation are eligible to take the survey. In addition, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in the United States. You don't need to have any special expertise - it's about you and your opinions. If you received an invitation we urge you to complete the survey even if you never think about current affairs. If you are under 18 or do not reside in the U.S., we would appreciate if you would let us know that you were selected in error by sending an email to info@stateofnation.ucla.edu.

Who wrote the survey? Who is the sponsor?

Professor Lynn Vavreck of UCLA and Professor Douglas Rivers of Stanford University wrote the survey. Professors Vavreck and Rivers are both political scientists who study public opinion. You can read more about them on the study's web site. Funding for the survey was provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). The NSF is an agency of the U.S. federal government that supports scientific research. The NSF makes grants to social and behavioral scientists for non-partisan, scientific research.

How is the survey conducted?

The survey is conducted on the Internet, using software technology developed by YouGov, an online research company. You can take the survey using any computer that is connected to the Internet, even one at a library or coffee shop. You don't need any special software. Any Web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Google Chrome) will work.

How do I start the survey?

Type the link (in your cover letter) into the address bar in your Web browser. You will be taken to the first page of the survey and can start answering questions. Can I take the survey if I don't have a computer connected to the Internet?

If you do not own a computer, most public libraries have computers that you can use for free. However, if you are unable to obtain access to a computer connected to the Internet, please call us at 800-215-5846 and we will make alternative arrangements. It is very important for the validity of the survey that everyone selected participates.

How was I selected to take the survey?

You were randomly selected from a list of U.S. residents.

Can someone take the survey in my place?

No. You were randomly selected from a list of people in your area so that every person on the list had the same chance of being selected. The validity of the sample depends upon only those selected being allowed to participate, so we cannot permit any substitutions.

Is there anything to buy? Do I have to pay anything to participate?

No. This is a scientific research study and we are not trying to sell you anything.

What happens if I have a problem with my computer during the survey?

Please try taking the survey at another time. We also have a support hotline (800-215-5846) that you can call if you run into problems.

Do I have to answer every question in the survey?

If there is a question that doesn't apply to you or that you don't wish to answer, you may skip it and go on to the next question. Participation is completely voluntary.

Should I have any concerns about taking the survey?

Some people are concerned about confidentiality. We will not reveal your identity. The data will be used for scientific purposes without including personally identifiable information. You can read our privacy policy at http://www.stateofnation.ucla.edu/privacy.

Who will get to see my answers to the questions in the survey?

Your name and personal identifying information will be separated from your answers by YouGov, the survey firm conducting the project, before the data are shared with any researchers. Your identity will be protected and none of the answers you give will ever be associated with you individually. Your responses will be used only for statistical tabulations, such as "50% of the public is in favor of a tax cut" or "10% of women prefer female candidates over male candidates." Your individual answers will never be shown to anyone in a manner that reveals your identity.

How will the results of the survey be shared with others?

Professors Vavreck and Rivers will summarize the results in articles prepared for scientific journals. The articles will focus on how scientific surveys conducted on the Internet can be used to measure the views of Americans about the state of the nation.

Can I see the results of the survey?

Yes, a summary of the results will be posted on the project web site.

Will you be contacting me?

If we don't hear from you, we may attempt to reach you by mail or phone. We want to make sure that everyone received this mailing and the initial $20 payment. We also want to be sure that everyone has the chance to participate.

Where can I find additional information about the survey?

Visit the project web site.