Creating better outcomes through rigorous, human-centered research. ​​
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At JP Impact Research, we believe that meaningful change starts with understanding people's lived experiences. Founded and led by Jess Wiederspan, MSW, PhD, JP Impact builds on her nearly two decades of experience as a qualitative researcher and her interdisciplinary graduate training in sociology, social work, and social policy at the University of Michigan. Guided by a commitment to methodological excellence and human dignity, JP Impact transforms ideas into robust research designs, fosters authentic participant engagement, and centers the voices of those most affected by policies and programs to produce rich, nuanced qualitative insights that drive transformative solutions.​
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What We Do
JP Impact Research provides a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. We specialize in:
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Qualitative Research Design: We help transform ideas and topics into thorough, ethical qualitative research frameworks. From crafting compelling research questions and articulating their importance to determining samples, recruiting participants, developing protocols, and securing IRB approval, we provide end-to-end support or selective services based on your needs. Our expertise ensures your research is methodologically sound and aligned with ethical best practices.
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“Jess led the qualitative research on the most comprehensive guaranteed income study in the US from its inception. From developing the research framework and interview protocols to training interviewers and analyzing data, she has approached the project with unparalleled dedication, curiosity, creativity, and competence.”
- Elizabeth Rhodes, Research Director, Open Research Unconditional Cash Study
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Training & Capacity Building: We build and strengthen qualitative research and evaluation teams through customized training programs, including curriculum development, facilitation, and mentoring. Our approach fosters team growth and ensures ethical, effective practices.
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“Jess embodied trust, openness, and empathic communication, helping interviewers trained in standardized techniques see their potential in qualitative research. She imparted key concepts, facilitated practice, and encouraged growth while maintaining high ethical standards. Her hard work and attention to people were truly inspiring for me and our whole team!"
- Karin Schneider, Senior Research Associate, University of Michigan Survey Research Center
“Jess is a transformational team leader moving both the research and the staff forward in personal and professional growth. She bridges data collection with the humanity it seeks to serve."
- Meg Perry, Field Interviewer and Social Researcher, University of Michigan
Participant Engagement: We develop innovative strategies to create respectful, non-judgmental interviewing environments that aim to minimize participant shame and foster openness. This humanity-centered approach enhances retention and increases the likelihood of collecting high-quality data, even in sensitive or challenging contexts. Our strategies have achieved exceptional retention rates, such as maintaining 95% of treatment participants and 85% of control participants over five rounds of data collection in a multi-year study.
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“Jess, the interviewer I was fortunate to get, is by far the best one I have spoken with in my opinion. She seems to be the most interested, thorough, and passionate…Jess was really meant for this role.”
- Participant, Open Research Unconditional Cash Study​​​​
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Ongoing Work
​As an independent consultant, Jess serves as a qualitative Principal Investigator for OpenResearch's Unconditional Cash study. This ongoing research explores the effects of receiving $1,000 monthly for three years on participants’ lives, bringing to light both the potential and the limitations of unconditional cash as a policy intervention.
Our Commitment
JP Impact is dedicated to delivering results that matter. By amplifying the voices of those most affected, we strive to transform innovative research into meaningful action—because we believe a different world is possible.
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