SSRS Solutions

SSRS Opinion Panel

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

The SSRS Opinion Panel is a large-scale ongoing panel of U.S. adults who have been randomly selected using probability-based methods in order 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:

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.

Quality Control

The probability-based sampling methods we use ensure our panel is secure by design from large-scale bots or click farms. Unlike opt-in panels, there is no way for someone to join our panel unless we have randomly selected their address or phone number.

Why It Matters:

We ensure our panelists are real people, not bots. Our results reflect genuine opinions and experiences.

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.

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:

Representative Sample

Why It Matters:

Quality Control

Why It Matters:

We ensure our panelists are real people, not bots. Our results reflect genuine opinions and experiences.

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

Why It Matters:

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

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

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.”