UIC survey expert honored by national research association

Tim Johnson, professor of public administration and director of the Survey Research Laboratory. Photo: Jenny Fontaine

Tim Johnson, professor of public administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago, has been named the recipient of the Association of Academic Survey Research Organizations’ 2018 John M. Kennedy Achievement Award for his service and leadership to academic survey research.

Johnson, who has directed the Survey Research Laboratory in the UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs since 1996, was honored earlier this month during the group’s annual meeting in Los Angeles.

Johnson’s research has focused on measurement and nonresponse errors in surveys, as well as health behaviors in disadvantaged populations. Part of his investigation in the latter area has involved cultural variability in the processing of survey questions, which is often a factor that contributes to nonresponse and measurement errors.

The American Statistical Association named him a fellow in 2015 for his work exploring cross-cultural issues in survey research. Funding for his research has come from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“Aside from Tim’s service and academic contributions to survey and public opinion research, he has been a source of wisdom to me and many others on how to navigate the often difficult waters of managing a survey research organization,” said Ronald Langley, director of the University of Kentucky’s Survey Research Center. “Additionally, his mentorship of staff and students, who are regular co-authors on articles and conference presentations, shows his dedication to developing the future leaders in our profession.”

Johnson is a frequent presenter at conferences around the world and a sought-after expert on best practices and assessment methods related to designing, conducting and analyzing public opinion polls.

He also serves as president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, a professional organization of public opinion and survey research professionals in the U.S., with members from academia, media, government, nonprofits and industry.

The Association of Academic Survey Research Organizations, which was established in 2008 to support and promote excellence in survey research conducted in academic settings, is made up of more than 65 academic survey research organizations from across the country.