PHOENIX, Arizona, May 20, 2011 – D3 Systems recently presented several papers and current research projects at the 66th Annual American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 12-15.  Recent projects in Afghanistan and Iraq were the focus of the presentations.

“Afghan Women’s Perspective on Negotiating With the Taliban,” written and presented by Stephen Hornbeck, focused on analysis of whether Afghans show preference to negotiating or fighting with the Taliban and whether differences in opinion exist between different segments of the population.

“The Importance of Ethnicity in Afghan Public Opinion,” presented by John Richardson, explored the impact of ethnicity on public opinion in Afghanistan.  This study compared the explanatory power of ethnicity to other common demographics and its relation to geography in Afghanistan.

“Measuring Progress to Peace in Afghanistan; Applying the U.S. Institute of Peace and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Measurements of Progress in Conflict Environments (MPICE) Framework,” presented by Matthew Warshaw, provided an overview of a three-year endeavor in Afghanistan to test metrics and research methods to evaluate if progress is being made in ending conflict, increasing access to services, and making a transition to a lasting peace in Afghanistan.

“Exploring Women’s Status and Rights in Iraq,” written and presented by Kevin Tillmann, reported the shifts in attitudes and behaviors of Iraqi women regarding their personal desires, financial decision-making, and religiosity.  The two studies were conducted by D3 in March 2007 (n=1,093) and November 2010 (n=1,083).

“Overcoming Challenges to Sample Design in Iraq,” written and presented by David Peng, discussed D3’s implementation of satellite imagery to improve upon its sampling methodology in Iraq. With the lack of a recent census containing detailed information at the block level, grid-cell overlays of urban satellite images provide an innovative alternative solution for sampling the population.

“Public Opinion in Yemen,” presented by Gary Langer and Matthew Warshaw, provided an overview of the situation in Yemen based on survey data collected in a national survey in December 2010, sponsored by the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors.

For more information, please visit www.D3Systems.com