The Missouri State University Poll Research Center is an initiative of Dr. Brian Calfano, associate professor of political science. The Poll conducts public opinion research designed to serve nonprofit and public agencies. This has given Missouri State an opportunity to provide its core constituencies with a product that reflects the institution’s commitment to public affairs andstudent civic engagement.
Conducted through the Center for Social Sciences and Public Policy Research at Missouri State, the Poll lets MSU students participate in the design, implementation, analysis, and presentation of quantitative survey data. The center also conducts public opinion surveys to provide research and analysis on topics of concern to Missourians. The Center is supported, in part, through the College of Humanities and Public Affairs, the Department of Political Science, and the Office of Citizenship and Service-Learning.
In August of 2010, the Poll enlisted service-learning students to assist the CASL office with data collection for the Carnegie Elective Classification: Community Engagement. The Poll has proven to be an exceptional method for analyzing and using data. The research center continues to be involved in on-going research initiatives and strives to engage Missouri State students in service-learning.