Professor Robert W. Oldendick
Director, Institute for Public Service and Policy Research
Ph.D., University of Cinncinnati (1977)
Email: Oldendick-bob@sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-8156
Robert W. Oldendick, Professor, also directs Institute for Public Service and Policy Research. Dr. Oldendick has a wide range of experience in the design, collection, and analysis of survey data and has published numerous articles on the various aspects of survey data collection. He is currently investigating the effect of non-response on the quality of survey data, including the effect of new technologies on survey non-response.
In addition to his research in survey methodology, Dr. Oldendick is interested in the role public opinion in American politics, particularly racial differences in attitudes (see "Social Construction and White Attitudes Toward Multiculturalism" in the Journal of Politics). The 3 rd edition of his book (co-authored with Barbara Bardes) Measuring the American Mind: The Sources, Uses and Impact of Public Opinion was published in 2006. He is also an Associate Editor of the journal, Public Opinion Quarterly.
Dr. Oldendick is the principal investigator on a project with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to collect survey data for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and is working with researchers at Wake Forest University in conducting an evaluation of programs designed to reduce underage drinking across the country. He is also the director of the South Carolina State Survey, a biannual survey of the state’s residents designed to gauge public opinion on a variety of policy issues facing South Carolina.