Fred Conrad to direct U-M Program in Survey Methodology

ANN ARBOR, Mich.-Cognitive psychologist Frederick Conrad has been appointed director of the University of Michigan Program in Survey Methodology, based at the Institute for Social Research. The program is one of only three in the United States to provide graduate-level training in how to conduct scientifically sound polls and surveys. Conrad succeeds the program's founding director, James Lepkowski, a professor of biostatistics and public health who will now serve as associate director of the program. "I am very grateful to Jim for his steady and thoughtful leadership of the program, and for his continuing involvement as associate director," Conrad said. "He was instrumental in establishing the program here at Michigan, where scientific survey research has a long and venerable history. "I am also deeply honored to be heading the Program in Survey Methodology at ISR, which is known worldwide for its expertise in this area. Our program greatly benefits from the involvement of ISR faculty, many of whom are affiliated with Michigan's social science departments, which are among the best in the world." Conrad also will serve as director of the Joint Program in Survey Methodology, a long-standing collaboration between U-M, Westat, and the University of Maryland.