The Rhode Island Survey Initiative (RISI) is led by the University of Rhode Island’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Social Science Institute for Research, Education, and Policy. RISI receives additional support from the John Hazen White Sr. Center for Ethics and Public Service, and in 2026, the College of Health Sciences.
The fourth annual edition (2026) of the Rhode Island Survey focuses mainly on healthcare, with additional questions on policy, elections, housing, public trust, media usage, and more. The survey was administered by YouGov, an international internet-based market research and data analytics firm, from July 29th to August 13th, 2026. The survey has a representative sample size of 500 Rhode Island residents who are 18 years old or above.
Goals
- Fill a gap in statewide polling by creating consistent, wide-ranging opinion surveys focused on Rhode Island.
- Provide a tool for policymakers, media, academic researchers, and others interested in key issues affecting the Ocean State.
- Advance research related to political science, sociology, economics, media, and other social science disciplines.
- Give students opportunities to work alongside faculty experts to identify issues, craft survey questions, and analyze data.
Key Findings
Respondents were asked to select their top priorities for the governor and the general assembly*:
In the News
The Rhode Island Survey Initiative is a collaboration between the Social Science Institute for Research, Education, and Policy; Department of Political Science; John Hazen White Sr. Center for Ethics and Public Service; and College of Arts and Sciences.