American Institutes for Research

The American Institutes for Research (AIR), situated in Arlington, Virginia, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts behavioral and social science research, and evaluations, and offers technical help. It was founded in 1946 and is one of the biggest organizations for social science research in the world. More than 1,800 employees work with AIR at locations both domestically and overseas. The Washington Post named AIR as one of the top ten nonprofit companies in the Washington metropolitan area in 2010 and 2011.

AIR aims to measure the effects of programs or policies using cutting-edge research designs, analysis, and reporting approaches, such as rapid-cycle, randomized controlled trials. Through the design and administration of small and large-scale surveys for different organizations such as the federal and state governments, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations, AIR also gathers important data to inform policies and programs on early childhood education, special education, and school climate. It also conducts research on adult learning, health, and aging. The use of data analytics tools and techniques, together with statistical and social scientific methodologies, help AIR make decisions based on the best available evidence, addresses pressing research issues, and develops the capacity to enhance interventions, processes, and results. The evaluation study conducted by AIR assists practitioners and policymakers in comprehending how policies are carried out, what obstacles must be overcome when creating policies, and how to do so.

Website: https://www.air.org/