Research

Research enables us to provide clients with data-driven recommendations and results. Our experienced team of researchers excel at asking critical questions, uncovering deep insights, and providing contextually rich data that enhances creative decisions and efforts.

Our researchers specialize in designing and customizing methodologies that align with the unique needs and objectives of our clients.

We are dedicated to collecting and analyzing comprehensive, insightful data using a combination of primary and secondary methods. This includes reviewing publicly available data and source materials, conducting in-depth interviews, moderating focus groups, and building surveys.

We collaborate closely with clients and internal teams to ensure that our research meets expectations and informs effective solutions.

Research Model

Our researchers follow the Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation (RPIE) model which provides a consistent structure to develop, implement and evaluate deliverables; improve collaboration with internal and external parties; and evolve communications, programmatic and operational solutions and services.

Our research can help you:

Identify relevant metrics and key performance indicators to monitor and evaluate performance.
Uncover operational bottlenecks, gaps, inefficiencies and areas of waste.
Assess strengths and weaknesses of changing and incorporating technologies.
Review potential risks and develop plans that effectively respond to unexpected challenges.
Discover best practices, innovative solutions and competitive strategies.
Standardize and streamline communications, operations and processes.
Elevate your presence or message and engage with audiences at every touchpoint.
Deliver accurate, impactful content that stands out, educates and resonates with audiences.
Develop persuasive campaigns, programs and policies that motivate users and prompt action.

Approach

We work closely with clients and other Aptive teams to tailor research design and implementation to meet the needs and objectives of our government clients. We excel at asking critical questions and finding actionable solutions. Our flexible, collaborative approach informs creative decisions and outcomes.

Methodology

We use a range of primary and secondary methods and tools (e.g., interviews, focus groups, surveys, content and thematic analysis, data collection and analysis software) to uncover trends, patterns, challenges and opportunities.

Social Technology, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Veteran and Military Populations: A Survey

Reimagining the Survey of Earned Doctorates Digest

Evaluating Advertising for Critical Roles in Rural Areas

Recruitment Marketing and Communications

Social Technology, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Veteran and Military Populations: A Survey

Aptive Veterans Experience Council

This mixed-methods survey of military members and Veterans shares important perspectives, concerns and recommendations about exploring the potential for using social technology to expand the availability of mental health support.

Reimagining the Survey of Earned Doctorates Digest

National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES)

In this interview-based project with NCSES staff and individuals working in public and private sectors, Aptive researchers gathered insights about the different uses of the Survey of Earned Doctorates Digest and provided NCSES with a list of recommendations to enhance the accessibility, utility, and significance for a broader range of users.

Evaluating Advertising for Critical Roles in Rural Areas

Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

In this mixed-methods project involving interviews and focus groups with VHA and non-VHA medical professionals, Aptive researchers recommended strategies to enhance VHA’s recruitment marketing in rural locations, mitigating staffing shortages in critical roles. To aid the implementation of these strategies, the research team also created rural candidate personas and a hiring journey map.

Recruitment Marketing and Communications

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

In this mixed-methods project, involving interviews with job recruiters and focus groups with the public, Aptive researchers evaluated CBP recruitment advertising materials and outreach strategies and provided recommendations to enhance efforts to reach and resonate with a wider pool of job candidates.