It's Spring And It's Time For The Arkansas Poll

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. --- It’s spring and it’s back—the Arkansas Poll, that is.Questionnaires for this semi-annual statewide opinion survey, conducted by researchers at the University of Arkansas, will be mailed to a scientifically selected sample of adult Arkansans this week.

Respondents will be asked to give their opinions on such issues as taxes, confidence in public leaders, state agencies, political parties, the news media, the three referred amendments to the state constitution slated for the November ballot, as well as other important political and public policy questions.

"We really appreciated the willingness of Arkansans to respond to the inaugural Arkansas Poll last fall, and hope that there will be the same willingness to respond to the spring 2000 poll," said Janine Parry, assistant professor of political science and director of the poll.

"While it’s important to know how Arkansans feel about issues at a particular time, our research team believes it is even more important to measure how public opinion varies from season to season and from year to year," She continued. "That’s why we’re conducting the poll twice annually, and it’s also why a good response is so important. A successful response this spring will give citizens, the news media, researchers, policy makers and leaders a good indication of how Arkansas feel about a variety of critical issues."

If the fall 1999 poll is any indication, Arkansans seem to be very interested in knowing how their fellow citizens feel about everything from politicians to the quality of life in the natural state.

"We were barely through with the analysis when the calls started coming from citizen groups, public office holders, political activists and business and professional groups," Parry said. "Between answering questions and speaking to groups, it was a busy time.

Last fall, the Arkansas Poll issued five research reports, five news releases, set up a web site, and the researchers wrote several scholarly papers on the findings. This spring, however, the survey form is somewhat shorter, so researchers plan to issue one comprehensive research report with accompanying news release, both of which will be posted on the poll’s website.

After the survey form is mailed next week, the researchers will follow up with post cards and mailings to ensure that the final report is representative of a cross-section of Arkansans.

William Schreckhise, assistant professor of political science and a research team member, said, "We are using the best survey research methods to ensure that we get a true understanding of citizen opinion."

Although returning the surveys as quickly as possible is important, it is expected that it will take at least three weeks to receive and record the responses.

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