Programs & Projects

GESIS research is organized into programs and projects. Narrowly defined, our programs are purely research-based with a theoretical core that is supplemented through a number of specialized applications. Coherent research is assured thanks to the binding integrity of the theoretical core. Generally, within this type of program, numerous projects are carried out either as independently or externally funded studies. Research programs are not assigned to specific sections, and are frequently managed by interdisciplinary and international teams.

In the broader sense, our programs consist of a series of research projects that can be assigned to a common subject. Without a common theoretical framework, however, individual projects are only loosely integrated. Yet common aspects can emerge if working with the same data, using the same methods, or considering identical methodological guidelines as binding.

Treating narrow and broadly defined programs as parts of a single continuum highlights how most GESIS research programs cover different ends of the spectrum. For instance, in the program on value research, certain suppositions about values are accepted as valid. Values should apply across multiple situations and be stable; to a certain degree, they should structure attitudes and behavior. The Michigan school constitutes the general reference context and basis for the program about election research. While the Michigan school offers no information-rich hypotheses, it at least sets some standards for the selection and ordering of variables. In contrast, the program on comparative survey research primarily links different sub-projects through the common objective of improving the quality of comparative surveys.

Programs are distinguished from projects by their longer timescales. To highlight continuity of narrowly defined research programs, longstanding literature is cited. Additionally, we also provide information on doctoral dissertations and Habilitation theses that are the outcome of a research program.

Externally funded projects are paramount for an institute’s evaluation and reputation, thus we have allocated current projects a separate category. They provide another opportunity to obtain information about the institute’s up-to-date work.