Glenys Babcock, PhD, Founder and Principal
Trusted by the experts
For more than 30 years, I’ve designed research plans and delivered evidence that organizations rely on to make decisions — from the World Bank and the U.S. Department of State to Microsoft, national governments, and small not-for-profits. I hold a BA in mathematics, a BA and MA in international relations, and an MPhil and PhD in Public Policy Analysis. I’ve always thought of the latter as degrees in solving problems, in helping organizations get
from A to Z.
Because accuracy matters
That’s meant building a custom research approach for every client, using whatever tool the problem actually calls for — case study analysis, one-on-one interviews, focus groups, ethnographic work, or a survey.
Surveys are my recognized expertise, and my passion. I have conducted in-depth in-person interviews with mentally ill homeless persons in the middle of the night — in shelters, under bridges, and on the streets — the kind of experience that teaches you things no textbook can. I’ve led a 34-country study on kids, food, and obesity, and a survey of vulnerable populations in Russia’s Far North, including Soviet gulag survivors. I’ve interviewed 6 to 15 year olds about how they hide their internet use from their parents.
The survey substance includes: message testing, program evaluation, employee HR, wellness and DEI surveys, identifying key consumer and donor segments, policy testing, issue awareness, organization reputation, brand identity and image, and extensive behaviour, attitudes, and needs research. Grounded in sampling statistics, I developed an innovative and practical methodology for surveying hard-to-reach populations.
Beyond my own client work, I love to share what I know — presenting at academic conferences, giving the keynote speech at industry events, and facilitating questionnaire design workshops for other researchers. Many of the junior researchers I’ve mentored are now in c-suite roles at leading research and consulting firms.
Bad Data Looks the Same as Good Data
I’m currently writing a book, The Illusion of Science, on how bad surveys and wonky data pass for good research in our modern DIY insta-expert survey world.
I love talking research design and surveys. What do you have on the go? What’s planned? Reach out anytime.
Email: glenys@surveyscienceinstitute.com
