Public Research
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Paid Research Opportunity
Competitive Edge conducts in-person paid research. San Diego County residents only, please complete our Potential Respondent form if you would like to be contacted.
Public Affairs
Porter Novelli has engaged Competitive Edge numerous times and each time they have gone beyond the top-line numbers to tell the real story of what is happening in the community.
Steve Danon
Vice President
NCG Porter NovelliMore Testimonials
One pillar of American democracy is the ability to petition the government. Here’s how Competitive Edge helps clients get their message heard with superior research and communication:
Benchmark Polling
Whether at the local, state or national level, we help our clients understand the opinions of the general public, voters, or important sub-segments of the electorate who may impact local policies, regulations, and laws. Through careful, insightful analysis, we help clients understand target audiences and develop persuasive messages. Our recommendations help public affairs clients become more effective in building public support for issues, lobbying, issue advocacy, and responding during adverse or crisis situations.
Benchmark polling is conducted at the outset of a public affairs campaign and the analyzed results will assist developing sound strategy and tactics. The issue is tested in a variety of ways, messages are tested for their ability to persuade and demographics are measured to develop a complete picture of the population of interest. A benchmark survey must go beyond far the raw numbers and allow you to discern why public opinion is the way it is. Only when you know the reasons why your target audience is supporting or opposing your cause can you begin to work to change opinions. Competitive Edge handles all aspects of the research process which include: questionnaire design; sample acquisition; data collection, tabulation, and crosstabulation; statistical analysis and reporting of the findings and presentation. Our analysis goes beyond the more typical review of crosstabulations to utilize linear and logistic regression, factor analysis and ANOVA procedures on our data to provide superior campaign strategy to our clients. Benchmark polls usually contain 20 to 50 questions (usually incorporating one to four open-end questions) with sample sizes ranging from 400 to 1,500.
Brushfire Polling
There will always be twists and turns as you implement your public affairs plan. You must be prepared to make course corrections. Brushfire polls are conducted once the public affairs campaign is underway. They test whether the campaign is on course, whether your messages are affecting opinions and what new issues have cropped up. Brushfires are typically shorter than benchmarks, containing 10 to 30 questions and sample sizes range from 300 to 500 likely voters.
Grassroots Programs
Competitive Edge has the tools and experience to drive communications to elected officials. The key to successful grassroots programs are the proper use of technology, timing and message. If any one of these aspects of your grassroots program is out of sync, your communications effort is likely to fail. Competitive Edge handles:
- patch-through calling (aka, direct connects)
- letter-writing programs
- activist identification
- activation
