Navigating public opinion research and Defence: tips and best practices
November 21, 2024 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time - 1:30
Thinking about doing some research?
Are you curious about what people really think? Public opinion research (POR) is your gateway to understanding the thoughts and feelings of your audience. Whether you're planning surveys, focus groups, or interviews, the POR team within Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs) (ADM(PA)) oversees all POR activities for DND/CAF and is here to guide you every step of the way. Dive into the world of public opinion research and discover how it can transform your approach to gathering insights and making informed decisions.
How the POR team can assist you
The POR team will review the questions you’d like to ask in your surveys, focus groups, or interviews to determine if they are opinion-based - and therefore considered POR - and identify the type of POR. If the research is deemed POR, ADM(PA) will work with your team to secure the necessary approval for the research to continue. The POR team is also available to:
- review research instruments
- provide the department with existing POR research documents and results
- provide feedback on best practices and provide recommendations
- assist in re-wording questions to address your objectives and get you the data you need
Understanding the POR process
Visit the POR Intranet page to learn more about the POR process, required approvals, and types of research (accessible only on the National Defence network).
Recommended tools and further resources
The POR department recommends GC Forms for distributing surveys, as it is the only approved Government of Canada platform that is free, bilingual, and accessible. POR instruments such as surveys must be hosted on platforms where the servers and data are stored within Canada.
Will you be engaging with Defence Team members for your research, including actively serving Regular Force and Primary Reserve CAF members and their families, DND public servants, cadets, applicants, or prospects? Make sure to run your research by the Social Science Research Review Board (SSRRB) for a required ethics review (DAOD 5061 and 5062).
For more questions, feel free to reach out to POR-ROP@forces.gc.ca and for reference please refer to our POR DAOD 2008-9.