Franklin & Marshall College

The Center for Opinion Research, along with the Center for Politics and Public Affairs and the Local Economy Center, is part of the Floyd Institute for Public Policy at Franklin & Marshall College. We are a full-scale survey research organization with a state-of-the art call center, a modern focus group facility, and a team of expert project managers and highly skilled interviewers. In carrying out our research, we collaborate closely with staff and faculty from the Floyd Institute and other departments of the college, and our work is greatly enhanced by the academic wealth of the college.

At Franklin & Marshall, we have made important contributions to scholarship and education, including groundbreaking research into reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes among Amish women in Lancaster County, which led to a highly praised multidisciplinary course called Public Health Research: Pregnancy Outcomes in American Women.

For the community, we have conducted surveys for many different civic and nonprofit groups, helping them analyze and use data to meet their goals for making Lancaster a more dynamic, safe, and livable city. For example, we recently completed a comprehensive research study about the current strength of the arts in the city, and the economic development potential of the arts. The research results are being used to guide decision making about arts programs and arts advocacy efforts, with the goal of developing a vibrant arts scene that contributes to Lancaster's economy in a significant way.

In Pennsylvania, we regularly conduct research for state agencies, nonprofit groups, and businesses. Our clients use the results to drive policy and strategy changes in government, education, and community services across the state. For a recent survey for the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority, we interviewed Pennsylvanians throughout the state about their knowledge of the behaviors that qualify as insurance fraud and the risks and consequences of committing fraud. IFPA created a brand-new insurance fraud prevention and education campaign based on the research.

Our research helps make a difference...

...at Franklin & Marshall, in the Lancaster community, and throughout Pennsylvania.