Telephone survey

Definition

A telephone survey is a data collection method where interviewers use the phone to ask questions to respondents in order to gather information for research purposes. This approach allows researchers to reach a wide audience quickly and efficiently, often resulting in higher response rates compared to other methods like mail surveys. The method is particularly useful for obtaining qualitative insights while maintaining a structured format.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Telephone surveys often utilize random digit dialing to select participants, ensuring a representative sample of the population.
2. They can be conducted using either landlines or mobile phones, although response patterns may differ between the two.
3. Interviewers play a key role in telephone surveys, as their tone and technique can influence how respondents answer questions.
4. Telephone surveys can be conducted in various languages, making them accessible to diverse populations.
5. This survey method typically has a quicker turnaround time for data collection and analysis compared to face-to-face interviews.

Review Questions

• How do telephone surveys compare with other survey methods in terms of efficiency and response rates?
  • Telephone surveys tend to be more efficient than methods like mail surveys due to their quicker data collection process and higher response rates. Researchers can reach a broader audience more rapidly by directly contacting individuals over the phone. Furthermore, the interactive nature of telephone surveys allows interviewers to clarify questions and engage respondents, which often leads to more complete answers.
• What are some potential biases that may arise from using telephone surveys, and how can researchers mitigate these biases?
  • Potential biases in telephone surveys can include selection bias, where certain demographics may be underrepresented due to lower access to phones or reluctance to participate. Additionally, interviewer bias may occur if interviewers unintentionally lead respondents toward certain answers. To mitigate these biases, researchers can use random digit dialing for sample selection, ensure interviewers are trained consistently, and employ strategies such as weighting responses to account for demographic differences.
• Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on the effectiveness of telephone surveys in contemporary research.
  • Technological advancements have significantly transformed telephone surveys by improving data collection methods and enhancing accessibility. The integration of mobile technology means researchers can reach a wider audience, including younger demographics who primarily use mobile devices. Additionally, software tools facilitate automated dialing and data recording, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy. However, reliance on technology also raises concerns about privacy and the potential for survey fatigue among respondents due to frequent telemarketing calls.

Related terms

Sampling: The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a larger population to estimate characteristics of the whole population.

Response Rate: The percentage of people who respond to a survey compared to the number of people who were contacted or selected to participate.

Scripted Questions: Predefined questions that interviewers ask respondents in a telephone survey, ensuring consistency and reliability in data collection.