News
Research shows there is public support for the Department for Work and Pension’s welfare reforms
GfK NOP Social Research sought views from the general public on the Green Paper proposals between August – October 2008. The research comprised an initial qualitative stage to explore in depth public reactions to the welfare reforms. This was conducted in August 2008 and involved 12 focus groups in five locations across the country with a range of participants who may be affected by the Green Paper reforms including DWP customers, taxpayers, lone parents, disabled people and carers. In addition, four depth interviews were conducted among people with learning difficulties to gather their views on the Green Paper reforms. A further qualitative stage, which involved four focus groups conducted in October 2008 were conducted to determine whether wider changes in the economy had impacted on people’s views about welfare reform.
The main objective of the quantitative stage was to quantify the findings from the qualitative stage and assess the extent to which the various elements of the Green Paper enjoyed public support. The research was carried out through GfK NOP’s Random Location Omnibus: an in-home survey of the general public in Britain. In total 1,940 interviews were completed with the general public in Britain aged 16+ and the data was weighted to ensure it was representative of the general public. In order to determine levels of public support for key policies within the Green Paper, eight ‘scenario’ style questions were developed which provided realistic examples of how the reforms would affect different types of people.
To access copies of the reports click here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/welfarereform/noonewrittenoff/consultation.asp
GfK NOP Social Research presented at the Becta Research Conference
Kate Parker and Chris Holmes from GfK NOP Social Research presented findings from the Further Education learners Information Communications Technology (ICT) survey at the Becta Research Conference in Sheffield on 6 November 2008. Their session focussed on to concept of ‘learner e-maturity’ and what factors influence FE learner’s computer confidence and competence.
To view the presentation slides and for further details about the research conference and Becta, go to: http://events.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=38453
Dogs Trust: "Rehome a rescue dog before purchasing a 'Retail Rover'"
GfK NOP were again asked to carry out this year’s Stray Dogs Survey 2008 for the Dogs Trust. Click here to find out more.
Two thirds of people won’t put money aside for social care in older age
Two thirds of adults in the UK say they have no plans to put money aside to fund their social care in older age. Nearly two thirds (excluding those already receiving social care) think they will seek help from family or friends, if they find themselves in need of social care when they are older.More on funding social care in older age here>>
Location is key when choosing a school
Recent research among parents confirms that location is still a key factor when choosing a school for their child, and shows three-quarters (73%) of parents are extremely or very satisfied with their child’s school.
GfK NOP Social Research carried out a national survey of parents for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) as part of the wider Local Authority Commissioning Pathfinders evaluation (which is not yet published). The survey included questions about parents’ satisfaction with their child’s school; parents’ experiences and attitudes in relation to school choice and their awareness of and attitudes towards new types of school, such as academies and trust schools.
The survey was carried out in January 2008 and involved telephone interviews with 2,000 parents and guardians of children aged 4 to 16 who were attending schools in England.
To access the report on the DCSF website, click here
Using Conjoint Analysis in Social Research
Nick Moon, Managing Director of Social Research, gave a paper at the American Association for Pubic Opinion Research in New Orleans in May, discussing the use of conjoint analysis in social research.
This paper drew on a piece of work commissioned by the Sentencing Advisory Panel. The Panel has been set up to advise the government and the judiciary on appropriate sentence for different types of offence and has to include public considerations within its considerations. The research investigated how the public viewed different aggravating and mitigating factors, when considering sentencing for various offences, including causing death while driving.
Working with Kings College London, GfK NOP developed a series of scenarios which were evaluated by respondents, who were asked to pass the most appropriate sentence for each particular case. The resulting data was used to develop a conjoint-based model that told the Panel the relative affect of each of the different aggravating/mitigating factors within the scenarios.
Conjoint analysis, which is widespread in commercial research, is rarely used in social research outside the transportation arena. This paper sought to illustrate how social research should employ conjoint analysis to a greater degree, to deliver greater insight to Government clients.
Research reveals the importance of computers for FE college learners
Research carried out for Becta amongst 4,000 learners at Further Education colleges to find out more about their attitudes towards using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in college, has found that 62% of learners consider it essential to use a computer to learn about their subject.
The final reports can be viewed by clicking here.
Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE) identifies key variables affecting educational attainment at age 16
Research carried out by a consortium including GfK NOP shows that low attainment is a particular problem among White British pupils and Black Caribbean boys from low Socio-Economic Class (SEC) homes and Black Caribbean pupils from middle and high SEC homes, who underachieve relative to their White British peers.
£3 billion bid for public transport improvements
GfK NOP authoritative research into support for Manchester's bid for a £3 billion fund to improve their public transport, including proposals for congestion charging.
Click here for the CaseStory on Manchester's Public
Transport Bid>>
For all Press & Media enquiries:
Amanda Wheeler
PR & Communications Manager
+44 (0) 20 7890 9836
amanda.wheeler@gfk.com