Research-Evaluation-Guidance
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) helps federal, state, and local agencies develop formative research studies, surveys, questionnaires, and materials that address health issues faced by employers or the public.
Our comprehensive approach to research and evaluation involves:
- Collecting data from appropriate sources, such as primary and secondary literature reviews, media analysis, and subject matter experts
- Developing protocols that address:
- research objectives
- target audiences
- audience segments
- data collection methods and instruments
- record handling
- screeners
- and informed consent
- Providing facilities, moderators/interviewers, and other logistical support, including reporting functions
More specifically, we partner with our customers as well as local communities to:
- Organize and conduct focus groups to identify issues, perceptions, and communications needs
- Develop printed materials that will educate the intended audience effectively
- Research and write reports that can be used as national resources
- Analyze media coverage to identify trends related to specific topics
- Evaluate and test communications materials using readability tools as well as a representative audience
- Evaluate the usability of Web sites used to communicate health information
Project Examples
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
Prepared and maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), IRIS is an electronic database with information on human health effects that may result from exposure to various chemicals in the environment. In managing this program, ORISE conducts literature searches and prepares toxicological reviews and summaries of chemical substances.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Research Activities and Summaries
ORISE helps NIOSH improve the health and safety of U.S. workers by conducting formative research activities and developing annual research summaries. ORISE conducts focus groups, in-depth interviews, and telephone surveys to study specific topics of interest to NIOSH.
Environmental Health Education Needs Assessment
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
addresses public health issues arising from the release of hazardous substances to the environment. In helping ATSDR work with communities potentially affected by activities at the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, ORISE has conducted focus groups to identify the health education needs of the residents.
