Telephone Data Collection

The ISRC currently houses a telephone interviewing facility with 23 stations utilizing a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing [CATI] system. This local area network and related software optimizes efficient data collection and reduces human error by supporting:

  • Sample Management (maintaining quotas, keeping appointments, distributing new sample randomly…and more)
  • Programming of Skip Patterns (uses the quantitative response to a question to determine the path of the interview and creates a smooth transition to the next relevant question in each situation)
  • Answer Range Limitations (programming can dictate, per question, the availability of only certain codes to the interviewer – the interviewer will not be able to progress to the next question unless an acceptable code is input)
  • The Randomization of Questions or Answer Sets (can reduce the impact of ordering effect)
  • Tracking (automatically documents the number of attempts to each phone number and all activity related to contact with respondents and potential respondents)

 

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  • Reports: Disposition reports are available at the end of data collection (and at intervals while in field) to allow close monitoring of response rates, quality and quotas.
  • Raw Data: Final raw data sets may be made available in a statistics package of preference, including: SPSS, SAS, STAT, EXCEL
  • Analysis/Report-Writing: Basic descriptive statistics, analysis and/or report writing are available upon consult
  • Consultation: methodological consults and referrals may be requested

ISRC staff is available for consultation on survey research issues.  To discuss survey research projects and needs or for further details and information, contact Lisa Halm-Werner: lisa-werner@uiowa.edu, 319-384-3389.

Other Resources:

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