Telephone survey

Definition

A telephone survey is a method of data collection in which respondents are contacted via telephone to answer questions and provide information. This approach allows researchers to gather data quickly and efficiently, reaching a wide audience while offering the ability to clarify questions and probe for deeper insights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Telephone surveys can be conducted using landlines or mobile phones, allowing researchers to reach diverse populations.
2. They often include both closed-ended and open-ended questions, providing quantitative data as well as qualitative insights.
3. While they can be completed quickly, the effectiveness of telephone surveys may be impacted by factors such as caller ID and increased use of mobile devices.
4. Training interviewers is essential to ensure consistency and reliability in how questions are asked and responses are recorded.
5. Privacy concerns can affect response rates, as some individuals may be reluctant to share personal information over the phone.

Review Questions

• How do telephone surveys compare to other survey methods in terms of data collection efficiency and respondent engagement?
  • Telephone surveys are generally more efficient than methods like mail or in-person surveys, as they allow researchers to reach respondents quickly and collect data in real-time. Additionally, they can engage respondents more effectively by allowing interviewers to clarify questions and encourage participation. However, compared to online surveys, they may face challenges related to response rates and engagement due to the increasing prevalence of call screening technologies.
• Discuss the challenges that researchers might face when conducting telephone surveys and how these can impact the quality of the data collected.
  • Researchers conducting telephone surveys may encounter several challenges, including low response rates due to caller ID screening and the growing preference for mobile communication. Additionally, respondents may be less willing to engage in lengthy conversations or provide detailed answers, leading to incomplete data. These issues can impact the representativeness of the sample and overall data quality, making it essential for researchers to implement strategies that enhance engagement and ensure a higher completion rate.
• Evaluate how advancements in technology could influence the future of telephone surveys and their methodologies.
  • Advancements in technology could significantly reshape telephone surveys by integrating automated systems, such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR), which allow respondents to answer questions using their keypad without needing a human interviewer. This may increase efficiency and potentially lower costs. However, reliance on automation might reduce personal interaction, which can impact data richness. As smartphones become more prevalent, researchers will need to adapt their strategies to maintain engagement and ensure that the data collected remains valid and representative.

Related terms

Sampling Frame: A list or database from which a sample is drawn for a survey, representing the population of interest.

Response Rate:

The percentage of individuals selected for the survey who complete it, crucial for evaluating the quality and reliability of the results.

Random Digit Dialing: A technique used in telephone surveys where phone numbers are generated randomly, ensuring that all individuals in the population have an equal chance of being contacted.