Privacy

Privacy Policy: Yale Opinion Study

Last Updated: February 26, 2026

The Yale Opinion Study is an independent academic research project conducted by Professor Joshua Kalla of Yale University. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your information when you participate in our surveys.

1. SCOPE

This policy applies to all data collected through the Yale Opinion Study website and our survey platforms (primarily Qualtrics). By participating in our research, you acknowledge the practices described in this policy.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information in two primary ways:

  • Information You Provide: We collect the responses you provide to survey questions. This includes your opinions on current events, policy issues, and political candidates, as well as demographic information (such as age, race, or gender) that you choose to share.
  • Publicly Available Information: As noted in our FAQs, participants are often selected from public lists of registered voters. We may link your survey responses to this publicly available data (such as your voting history or party registration) to ensure our research is representative of the general public.
  • Automatic Data: Like most online platforms, our survey software may collect basic technical information, such as your IP address or device type, to prevent duplicate entries and ensure survey integrity.

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

The information collected is used strictly for academic research purposes. Specifically:

  • To analyze trends in public opinion and political behavior.
  • To produce academic papers, books, and presentations that help the public and policymakers understand community issues.
  • To improve the methodology of social science research.

We do not use your information for commercial marketing or “sales.” This is a non-partisan, non-profit academic study.

4. DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

Your privacy is a priority. We protect your identity through the following measures:

  • Anonymization: Before any data is shared with the broader scientific community or published, it is “de-identified.” This means your name, exact address, and other identifying details are removed.
  • Research Partners: Data may be shared between the research teams at Yale University and other universities.
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information only if required by law or to comply with a judicial proceeding or court order.

5. DATA SECURITY AND STORAGE

As part of Yale University, we adhere to high standards of data security. Your personal information is stored on secure, password-protected servers and is accessible only to authorized members of Professor Joshua Kalla’s research team. We use industry-standard encryption (SSL) for data transmission.

6. RETENTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

We retain personal identifiers only as long as necessary to complete the research and verify the data’s accuracy. Once the analysis is complete, identifying information is typically destroyed or permanently separated from the survey responses.

7. YOUR CHOICES AND RIGHTS

Participation in this study is entirely voluntary.

  • Right to Skip: You may skip any question you do not wish to answer.
  • Right to Withdraw: You may stop the survey at any time by closing your browser window.
  • Opt-Out: If you wish to be removed from our contact list for future studies, please contact us at the email address below.

8. CONTACT US

If you have questions about this study, your rights as a participant, or Professor Joshua Kalla’s research, please contact us:

Yale Opinion Study
Email: opinionstudy@yale.edu