What We Do | Research

SOURCE researchers use a variety of methods to get clear, unbiased answers to your questions. Our methods are tailored to your organization’s research needs, and we will work with you to determine the best approach to get the information you need.

SOURCE uses tools like surveys, interviews, focus groups and field observations to gather information from a wide range of representative groups. This provides you with clear, unbiased and objective data to inform your organization’s decisions.

SOURCE has examined issues such as

The impact of dam removal on river businesses and recreation
Parental attitudes towards vaccination
Public opinion regarding changes to road use patterns
Public opinion regarding forest management
Attitudes and perceptions of wildfire risk
Evaluation of new educational curriculum
Evaluation of public health program
Economic impact of Southern Oregon University
Student quality of life
Vineyard and wine production in Oregon

Applied Research

Applied research is a scientific approach to investigating real-world issues, and using the results for immediate and practical solutions. Applied research gives you the data you need to take the guesswork and assumptions out of your organizational decisions.

External Evaluation

Sometimes people think of evaluation as only happening at the end of project – often a federal grant – to see whether project worked or not. But really, evaluation can, and should, be used as an ongoing management and learning tool to improve an organization's effectiveness. By monitoring your progress and processes, an external evaluator like SOURCE can help avoid wrong turns and keep your project focused and moving toward meeting your mission. This also helps your bottom line by maintaining funding.

Many grant-funded programs require external evaluation. Funders want to know if your projects are performing as expected and having the expected impact. SOURCE can evaluate your project to determine if it is:

Meeting the needs of the community
Cost effective and efficient
Meeting the goals of the funding agency
Sustainable
Having the impact you expected

We can help you know if your work is accomplishing what you want or if there are better alternatives.

Contact SOURCE today to learn more about our evaluation services.