The Hobby School of Public Affairs' Survey Research Institute, under the guidance of Dr Richard Murray, conducts an ongoing program of public opinion polling. The Hobby School has provided extensive polling data for the Houston Chronicle and local television outlets as well as for regional public and private sector entities. In addition, Dr Murray's analyses are frequently carried by national media sources such as the New York Times and Washington Post.

In 2000, the Hobby School modernized its polling capabilities with the installation of a CATI (computer assisted telephone interview) system. The overall project consists of twenty stations in the University of Houston’s Leroy and Lucille Melcher Center for Public Broadcasting.

Houston's View of the Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina & Rita

The Hobby School of Public Affairs in conjunction with Rice University conducted surveys for the Houston Chronicle/KHOU-Channel 11 to determine Houstonians' opinion of the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Check out the coverage in the following Chronicle articles:

Most Say They'd Evacuate Again

White's Handling of Crisis Earning Political Capital

Residents Split on Whether Area Ready for Disaster

Did you know?

The Survey Research Institute has completed surveys for graduate students, professors, media, local and state government, and private organizations. Here's a sample of some of the clients:

• HISD
• Houston Chronicle
• Rice University
• Texas Education Agency
• Upper Kirby District