Department of Sociology

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Department of Sociology

Dept. of Sociology

5275 N. Campus Drive

Mail Stop SS97

Fresno, CA 93740

Phone: 559.278.2234

FAX: 559.278.6468

 

Past Projects

During 2005-06 the SRL initiated another avenue of research support to the region under the direction of Dr. Xuanning Fu.  This project examines state mandated exam test scores (such as CST, California Standard Test) and looks for patterns by student characteristics, so that targeted teaching and remedial actions can be taken.  These services are provided to local K-12 schools to help school administrators make research-based decisions.

Since the inception of our telephone interviewing lab, the SRL has done surveys for a variety of agencies and organizations including Fresno State, other universities, the city of Fresno, research centers such as the University Business Center and the Center for Irrigation Technology, and non-profits such as the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation and First 5 Fresno County.  We have also completed surveys for faculty and attorneys (change of venue surveys). 

Since 2001 the SRL has conducted quality of life surveys in Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Madera Counties.  In the spring of each year, we interviewed approximately 200 households in each of these counties.  Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish.  Questions focused on the following areas:

  • Satisfaction with community and neighborhood
  • Public schools
  • Financial satisfaction
  • Crime
  • Performance of government and confidence in local leadership

We will be conducting the seventh in our series of quality of life surveys in the four-county area in spring 2007.  If you would like to receive our report summarizing the findings for the 2001 through 2006 surveys, please contact Ed Nelson, Director of the SRL. 

While we have concentrated on telephone surveys in recent years, we have also conducted door-to-door surveys for various agencies and organizations including the city of Fresno and the Department of Health Services and the Seismic Safety Commission of the State of California.

Currently the lab is the evaluator for Weed and Seed in Modesto and is working with the Relational Culture Institute in Fresno to analyze data collected from community leaders.