CATI Capabilities
Computer-Aided Telephone Interviewing (CATI) is software designed for use with telephone surveys. CATI allows trained interviewers to read a questionnaire from a computer that controls random dialing and respondent screening, while also tracking interviewer productivity. The CATI program operates on a local area network (LAN) designed to communicate and exchange information from interviewing stations to a supervisor station that monitors up to 15 stations at the Survey Center.
Data Processing and Analysis
When the Survey Center receives completed surveys, the surveys are double edited and key entered for quality control. Once the data are entered into computers, percentage summaries are developed for each question. It is then possible to group certain data to draw significant conclusions about the topic being addressed. Charts and graphs are also created in order to facilitate understanding of survey results.
Focus Groups
The Survey Center often uses focus groups to develop questionnaires. These focus groups are comprised of 10 to 12 people who discuss important issues relevant to the survey being conducted. These groups are often made up of both customers and non-customers in order to obtain a broader range of ideas that deal with the survey. When the focus groups are completed, the Survey Center has a deeper understanding of the important issues that need to be addressed by the survey.
Program Evaluation
Program evaluation is a process in which the Survey Center evaluates a program or service being provided. The goals of program evaluation are to determine whether or not the program is effective, providing desired results, who benefits from it and what improvements can be made from it. The results from the program evaluation can be used to make changes or needed improvements in a program.
