U-M, UPR students explore selected households as part of a groundbreaking initiative to enhance social research, elevate Puerto Rican voices

The Puerto Rico Public Opinion Lab has initiated a fresh survey across the island of Puerto Rico as part of an effort to gain deeper insights into the political sentiments and experiences of Puerto Ricans.

This venture is spearheaded by scholars from the University of Michigan and the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

The researchers assert that with rising scams, public faith in institutions has waned, underscoring the necessity for dependable data and clear communication. The lab’s mission seeks to tackle these obstacles by offering accurate and reliable information regarding public sentiment, thereby improving accountability and nurturing trust in governmental processes.

“Numerous individuals have questioned whether this is a scam; we want to clarify that it is not. This is an authentic and significant survey, backed by UPR and U-M and financed by one of the world’s most prestigious scientific organizations,” stated Mayra Velez Serrano, professor of political science at the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras and co-director of the project.

“Our intention is to hear from the populace, particularly those who have historically been marginalized in both scientific exploration and public policy deliberations.”

University students, prepared and overseen by the Puerto Rico Public Opinion Lab team, are canvassing urban and rural neighborhoods to invite chosen individuals to partake. They are visibly identified and follow stringent confidentiality protocols, having been instructed in research ethics and scientific methodologies.

“Students are visiting various parts of the island door-to-door almost every day and will remain in the field until June. People should keep an eye out for us,” remarked Luis Cámarera Fuertes, professor of political science at the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras and co-director of the project.

“Participants from selected households can complete the survey in person, online, or via telephone,” stated Mara Cecilia Ostfeld, U-M associate research professor of public policy and principal investigator of the project. “We ensure their residence in a selected household by including a distinctive code in the invitations associated with each home.”

Besides reinforcing democracy by amplifying the voices of citizens, the project invests in Puerto Rico’s future by equipping UPR students with hands-on training in social research, data evaluation, and public policy.

“The absence of a public opinion infrastructure is particularly perilous in the context of Puerto Rico, where residents lack a formal vote in the federal entities that function as the ultimate authorities over their legislation and budgets,” Ostfeld noted.

Initial findings will be disclosed in the upcoming months and will be accessible to the public at no cost.