SSRS Solutions

SSRS Opinion Panel

Your one-stop solution for accurate, rigorous, ironclad research, leading to a more transparent, knowledgeable society.

SSRS Opinion Panel

The SSRS Opinion Panel is a large-scale ongoing panel of U.S. adults who have been scientifically selected to accurately represent the U.S. population.

Many of America’s top organizations rely on the Opinion Panel for trusted data on the most pressing issues of the day. Here are just a few examples:
SSRS Opinion Panel Clients

Our panel is widely known and appreciated for our methodological rigor, accuracy, representativeness, flexibility, and affordability. Our hard-working team of panel methodologists and scientists is working behind the scenes to make it all happen.

How the SSRS Opinion Panel Works and Why it Matters

Random Selection

Panelists are randomly selected to be invited to join the panel through address-based sampling (ABS) and random selection of prepaid cell phone numbers (RDD).

Why It Matters:

Random selection reduces the risk of bias and ensures we represent EVERYONE, not just those who volunteer to take surveys.

Multi-mode

Surveys can be conducted as web-only or by both web and phone.

Why It Matters:

Our multi-mode panel allows us to fully cover the population we are studying, meaning no one is left out – especially those who may not have internet access or a desire to take part in web surveys. Panelists take surveys in the mode that they are most comfortable with.

Representative Sample

Our samples are statistically designed to be representative of the full population that we are studying. Panelists are sampled into studies using a form of probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling.

Why It Matters:

PPS ensures that the selected sample is representative of the study target population. Unlike with opt-in panels, we can calculate a true selection probability—incorporating both recruitment for the Panel and study-level sampling—for every respondent, so the weights will fully correct for the sample design.

 

High Participation

We carefully monitor panelist participation and use a sequence of data collection activities to consistently achieve high participation rates.

Why It Matters:

We don’t want to over- or under-survey our panelists, and our high participation rates improve our confidence that we are accurately reflecting the broader population we are studying

Active Monitoring

We actively monitor participation in the panel, overall and by key demographics. Those who consistently fail to respond to our surveys are removed from the panel. We engage in regular replenishment and recruitment to ensure full representation.

Why It Matters:

This is a critical panel management step to maintain balance and ensure representativeness, especially among hard-to-reach population segments.

Quality Control

We use strong quality controls to catch insincere or inattentive responses. We also monitor panelist satisfaction in each of the surveys we conduct.

Why It Matters:

This ensures our results reflect genuine opinions and experiences.

English or Spanish Option

Recruitment is conducted in both English and Spanish. Panelists then take surveys in their preferred language.

Why It Matters:

Offering surveys in Spanish helps us to more accurately reflect the Hispanic population living in the U.S.

Random Selection

Panelists are randomly selected to be invited to join the panel through address-based sampling (ABS) and random selection of prepaid cell phone numbers (RDD).

Why It Matters:

Random selection reduces the risk of bias and ensures we represent EVERYONE, not just those who volunteer to take surveys.

Multi-mode

Surveys can be conducted as web-only or by both web and phone.

Why It Matters:

Our multi-mode panel allows us to fully cover the population we are studying, meaning no one is left out – especially those who may not have internet access or a desire to take part in web surveys. Panelists take surveys in the mode that they are most comfortable with.

Representative Sample

Our samples are statistically designed to be representative of the full population that we are studying. Panelists are sampled into studies using a form of probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling.

Why It Matters:

PPS ensures that the selected sample is representative of the study target population. Unlike with opt-in panels, we can calculate a true selection probability—incorporating both recruitment for the Panel and study-level sampling—for every respondent, so the weights will fully correct for the sample design.

 

High Participation

We carefully monitor panelist participation and use a sequence of data collection activities to consistently achieve high participation rates.

Why It Matters:

We don’t want to over- or under-survey our panelists, and our high participation rates improve our confidence that we are accurately reflecting the broader population we are studying

Active Monitoring

We actively monitor participation in the panel, overall and by key demographics. Those who consistently fail to respond to our surveys are removed from the panel. We engage in regular replenishment and recruitment to ensure full representation.

Why It Matters:

This is a critical panel management step to maintain balance and ensure representativeness, especially among hard-to-reach population segments.

Quality Control

We use strong quality controls to catch insincere or inattentive responses. We also monitor panelist satisfaction in each of the surveys we conduct.

Why It Matters:

This ensures our results reflect genuine opinions and experiences.

English or Spanish Option

Recruitment is conducted in both English and Spanish. Panelists then take surveys in their preferred language.

Why It Matters:

Offering surveys in Spanish helps us to more accurately reflect the Hispanic population living in the U.S.

Benefits of Using Our Probability-based Panel

Higher Accuracy

Panels based on probability-based sampling are more scientifically representative and lead to higher accuracy of findings.

Increased Trust

Our experienced team of panel managers and methodologists, combined with our probability-based design, increases trust in the data.

Fraud Protection

Our panelists are real people, not bots. Our recruitment methods secure against large-scale survey fraud.

Inclusive

Our panel represents all of the U.S., not just those who volunteer to take surveys.

The SSRS Opinion Panel Can be Used to:

  • Conduct national, regional, state surveys
  • Conduct surveys of targeted population segments
  • Complete cross-sectional or longitudinal studies where we recontact the same panelists over time
  • Explore quick turn or more rigorous designs
  • Conduct studies via SMS or SMS push-to-web
  • Ask short modules of questions on omni or longer custom questionnaires
  • Complete qualitative research such as cognitive testing, in-depth interviews, or focus groups
  • Pair Opinion Panel sampling with non-probability sampling for larger effective sample sizes
  • Conduct sample-only studies where Opinion Panelists are routed to an externally-programmed survey
  • Complete teen studies where recruitment is conducted through parents on the Opinion Panel
Meet the SSRS Opinion Panel

Panelist Variables

Our Look Book contains a list of all the variables we maintain about our panelists that can be used for sampling, weighting, or to append to your data for deeper insight. This includes individual characteristics, household characteristics, geography, employment, appended data, and many more.

All panelists are asked to complete our annual demographic refresh, so we have the latest information.

Check out examples of how we can leverage targeted segments of the panel for your next research study:

What Our Panelists Have to Say

“You guys have the pulse on what's going on in the country.”

“It makes you think and it makes you wonder about things that you don't necessarily converse about every day with everyone.”

“I like getting surveys that challenge my mind, and I also like that some of it can relate to my community and things I’m interested in.”

“I like the fact that my opinion matters...I just like how you guys ask questions that really get to the root of where I'm at in America with my thoughts and my feelings. There are a lot of surveys out there, but they don't quite get to the essence of it like you guys do.”

“I just like being involved. I feel like I have a voice, like I'm being heard.”

Get the Facts

Downloads Below Provide More Details about the SSRS Opinion Panel

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SSRS Opinion Panel Brochure

Want more details? Check out the SSRS Opinion Panel brochure.

Download PDF
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SSRS ESOMAR 37

We take pride in being transparent about how we conduct research.

Download PDF
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SSRS Opinion Panel Look Book

Explore the data available from our probability-based panel of U.S. households.

Download PDF

Explore Our Suite of Panel-enabled Products

SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus

Multi-client, Probability-based Survey that Fields Twice a Month - Perfect for Quick Turnaround

Learn More

SSRS Text Message Panel

Conduct a Text Message Survey to Reach Your Audience

Learn More

SSRS Opinion Panel Qualibus

Multi-client, Qualitative Research as a Companion to the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus

Learn More

SSRS Business Insights Panel

An Innovative Source of B2B Sample

Learn More

SSRS Virtual Insights

Recruit and Conduct Qualitative Surveys with Our Experts

Learn More

Want more info on the SSRS Opinion Panel?

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Real World Applications of the SSRS Opinion Panel

View All

US Views on New Vaccine Development and False Information After COVID-19

Health Security Article Co-authored by SSRS Account Executive Jazmyne Sutton, Ph.D.

The Washington Post texted 1,004 Americans about U.S. actions in Venezuela. Here’s what they said.

New Washington Post Poll Conducted on the SSRS Text Message Panel

Most Americans don’t think Trump or Democratic leaders are listening

CNN Poll Conducted by SSRS

Americans’ Early Views of the 2028 Presidential Election

CNN Poll Conducted by SSRS

Poll shows Americans’ growing concern over influence of sports gambling

New Washington Post-University of Maryland Poll Conducted on the SSRS Opinion Panel

KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Costs in the Current Moment of Economic Anxiety

Survey Conducted on the SSRS Opinion Panel

Although Public Overwhelmingly Supports Hepatitis B Vaccine for a Newborn, Partisan Differences Exist

New Findings from the APPC’s Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge survey conducted by SSRS

Americans More Likely to Accept Guidance from AMA than CDC on Vaccine Safety

New survey created by APPC’s Annenberg Health and Risk Communication Institute and conducted by SSRS

Charles Franklin on Trump’s approval ratings as 2025 ends

Video: Analysis of Marquette Law School Survey Conducted on the SSRS Opinion Panel

How Noncitizens, Anxious Under Trump, Are Altering Their Lives

Results from a KFF/New York Times 2025 Survey of Immigrants conducted by SSRS in partnership with KFF

SSRS Opinion Panel Insights

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Blog

Reflections from the 2025 MAPOR Conference

By Jordon Peugh, Paula Armendáriz, Jenny Berg, and Jania Marshall
Civil Society Research SSRS Opinion Panel Public Opinion & Policy SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus Political & Election Polling Qualitative Research
Blog

Veterans and the SSRS Opinion Panel
Survey Methods SSRS Opinion Panel Qualibus SSRS Opinion Panel
Reports & Whitepapers

Introducing the 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Look Book

Meet Our Opinion Panel and Discover the Profile Variables that Bring Your Research to Life
SSRS Opinion Panel Solutions
Blog

Gen Z’s Red Flag: What the Next Generation Tells Us About America’s Economic Future

Insights from SSRS Vice President, Jenny Berg
Public Affairs Research SSRS Opinion Panel SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus
Reports & Whitepapers

Americans Continue to be Anxious about the Economy Amid Rising Cost of Living

Key Findings from the SSRS Economic Attitudes Tracker
Public Affairs Research SSRS Opinion Panel SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus
Blog

The Shifting Sands of Summer: How 2025 Vacation Plans Reflect Economic, Cultural, and Policy Currents

Insights from SSRS Vice President, Jenny Berg
Public Affairs Research SSRS Opinion Panel SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus
Reports & Whitepapers

2025 American Summer Vacation Plans

Findings from the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus
Civil Society Research SSRS Opinion Panel SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus Consumer Trends
Case Study

Using Mixed-Methods to Explore Impacts of the Ending of the Affordable Connectivity Program

Survey of Lower-income U.S. Adults Conducted on the SSRS Opinion Panel on Behalf of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
SSRS Opinion Panel Public Opinion & Policy SSRS Virtual Insights
staff meeting

Meet the SSRS Opinion Panel Team

Get to know the people behind the research.

Meet the Team

Start a Conversation

We can't wait to be part of your research! Let's create a plan to execute your next project together.

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