Survey Analysis: Determining the Right Process for Reporting Your Data
by Jennifer Collins, Lead Scientist & Manager
|
|
Have you ever been involved in a survey research project and, once data starts to come in, thought, “Now that I have this data, what’s the best way to showcase the information?” It’s a common challenge amongst researchers and one we’ve successfully tackled by evaluating the survey’s components through a series of questions outlined below.
We all know that surveys are a versatile and cost-effective
|
|
way to collect data of all different types. They are considered a relatively simple research tool and are used across all industries in various forms. For example, the agricultural industry relies heavily on grower/farmer surveys in order to compile data on management practices, as part of stewardship and outreach efforts. However, once collected the question becomes how to efficiently analyze and present survey-collected data. There are multiple clues found in the collection process itself that factor into how the data can be best reported:
Does the data require anonymization? A basic rule in survey data collection is that information related to identity or privacy protection must be altered or removed in such a way that the subject can no longer be linked to the survey data. We have found that developing a strong data anonymization process provides an additional comfort level for survey... >>Read the rest of the article
|
|
GIS and Data Tools Still Allow Us to Explore the World… From our Computer Screens |
It may not have the same feel of an Indiana Jones adventure or an expedition of old, but our work in both Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database management for monitoring still allows us to explore the globe and experience far-off regions… through our computers. With our normal business travel suspended due to the pandemic, we’ve become the most modern of explorers, trotting the globe with the click of a mouse.
While not quite the same as true fieldwork, our scientists are finding these “business trips” rewarding work. One day we’ll find ourselves engrossed in geographical or monitoring data, learning about soil types, local climate, or other environmental intricacies of a particular place. Another day we’ll be introduced to a small US town with an interesting name that triggers our curiosity. The experience can feel like a road trip when you see an interesting highway sign and have the urge to pull off and explore!
GIS traveling recently took Dr. Gerco Hoogeweg, our Principal Soil and Water Quality Scientist, to the Sahel region of Western Africa... >>Read the rest of the article
|
|
The EPA Updated Its Drinking Water Assessment Methods at the End of 2020. Are You Ready For the Changes? |
Ensuring the safety of drinking water from potential contaminants is a shared priority for the US Environmental Protection Agency, environmental researchers, and industries alike. To this end, it is mission critical to stay well versed in the newest EPA methodologies including a deep understanding of the underlying databases, development tools, and assumptions.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was passed by Congress in 1974 and amended for updated actions in 1986 and 1996 to regulate the country’s public drinking water supply. Drinking water assessments for conventional pesticides... >>Read the rest of the article
|
|
Applying GIS and Modeling Expertise to COVID-19? |
We’ve recently been applying our expertise in geospatial analysis and modeling to investigate SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater and surface waters. Using our unique tool for wastewater-based epidemiology, this study is the first of its kind to provide national-scale quantitative data to examine the movement and fate of residual RNA fragments as well as the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants in removing the virus. Stay tuned for the release of our collaborative publication.
|
|
 |
Innovating at Waterborne: Meet Zack Stone |
In a technology-driven world, finding the answers to questions for many of us has become as simple as a targeted Google search. For Zack Stone, our Project Computer Engineer, that means constructing web tools and databases to host the information we gather here at Waterborne Environmental and applying programming tools to extract the answers we’re looking for.
Zack started with Waterborne as an Engineering Intern ten years ago. He first worked with our field sampling team but quickly became a source of technical and database support for our offices. Now, he works on massive datasets, development of innovative web tools and digital agriculture programs. In his words, he is “the gatekeeper for all things related to structured query language (SQL) databases.” Nothing goes in or out without his say... >>Read the rest of the article
|
|
|
|
Raghu Vamshi, Waterborne’s Senior Geospatial Scientist |
Environmental concern is at the heart of our work at Waterborne, and there are few better examples than the work of our Senior Geospatial Scientist, Raghu Vamshi. From his research in endangered species assessments, monitoring site selection and analysis of environmental fate of agricultural chemicals to evaluating down-the-drain chemicals and personal care products in surface waters, Raghu’s 15 years with Waterborne have certainly bolstered our ability to study, create, and apply solutions to environmental challenges. He has a passion for the environment, proud that his work gives him the ability to explore the world from his computer screen and provide solutions to local and international problems alike.
|
|
|
|
Waterborne Environmental is a renowned consulting firm that has provided innovative solutions to the world’s most complex environmental problems since 1993. Our experienced, unbiased scientists and engineers work across industries to evaluate environmental, ecological, and human risks. Our work spans across industry and regulatory agencies to support the balance in the needs of a growing population with the environmental impact on our valuable natural resources.
Our The Current Newsletter is published monthly. Visit us online to find more articles, videos, and information about our work. Click here to contact us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
