Current Projects

The Social Science Research Center often carries out several projects of varying topics and methodologies, simultaneously. These include telephone, online, in person, and mail-based surveys as well as evaluation projects. At the current time, there are several projects ongoing. Below you will find details on each, providing some background and verifying the legitimacy of these projects.

CA Air Resource Board | Small Off-Road Engine Equipment Study

The CA Air Resources Board (CARB) is interested in producing estimates of Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Equipment populations operating in the state and their contribution to carbon emissions. CARB has contracted with the Social Science Research Center to conduct a telephone survey of licensed lawn/garden care businesses throughout the state. Data collected through this survey will be used to produce a reliable estimate of the commercial inventory for SORE equipment currently operating in the state and their contribution to statewide emissions. As well as support potential future emission-reduction programs.

NOC Public Safety Collaborative | Evaluation

The California Board of State and Community Corrections (CBSCC) Program awarded the North Orange County Collaborative a total of $20,000,000 over a four-year period beginning June 30, 2017. The funding was to be used for the broad purpose of violence prevention, intervention, and suppression activities. More specifically, funds could be used on a variety of services, programs, and activities designed to address youth violence prevention/intervention in K-12 schools, promote successful reentry of offenders in the community, and address homeless outreach and intervention efforts. Therefore, the Advisory and Coordinating Board was established to oversee the Collaborative and allocate the funds for each year of the grant. To incorporate a framework of accountability into the Collaborative’s undertakings, the Advisory and Coordinating Board contracted the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) to conduct an evaluation of its efforts.

NOC Public Safety Collaborative | Resource Map

The North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative has contracted the Social Science Research Center to develop an interactive map containing all services available to individuals experiencing homelessness in North Orange County. This map will be a secured resource for service providers throughout Orange County to increase collaboration and ease service administration.

Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) | Smoke-Free Parks Campaign Public Opinion Survey

The SSRC is conducting a survey on behalf of the Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP), the Local Lead Agency (LLA) for tobacco control in Orange County. TUPP has developed a comprehensive tobacco control plan for Orange County which includes allocating resources to help reduce tobacco disparities. Their mission is to reduce the use of tobacco and non-cessation nicotine (including electronic delivery systems) and to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor. The study will provide information about individuals' opinions on preventing smoking or vaping in parks and other outdoor recreational areas through environmental change strategies in Cypress, Garden Grove, and Westminster.

Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley | Bay Area Rent Stabilization Study

The Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) at the University of California, Berkeley is surveying tenants in the San Francisco Bay Area (specifically the cities of Richmond, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale) as part of a rent stabilization study. The data collected will be used to examine the effects of rent stabilization policies on renters’ living situations and financial stability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from the survey will inform policy recommendations regarding rent stabilization for Bay Area tenants. The Social Science Research Center aims to gather information on two types of renters: those living in rent-stabilized housing units and those not covered by rent stabilization. For more information about the study, visit the Othering & Belonging Institute website.

Participants who complete the survey will receive a $10 Amazon or Target gift card, depending on their choice. If you have already completed the survey and have any questions about your gift card, contact Lizette Sanchez at lisanchez@fullerton.edu or 657-278-3185.

California Air Resources Board | Gas Can Emissions Study

The SSRC is conducting a survey on a sample of households, businesses, and lawn/garden care technicians that use gas cans within the State of California. The purpose of this survey is to collect information to estimate the population and types of gas cans currently in use statewide. As part of this project, the SSRC is also collecting a sample of used gas cans as well. The gas cans will undergo emissions testing at the Center for Environmental Research & Technology at UC Riverside (CE-CERT). The data obtained from the survey at SSRC and emissions at CE-CERT will be used to estimate emissions from all gas cans in California.