Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing

Completely Automated Telephone Surveys (CATS) is a method of data collection where respondents interact with an automated system over the phone to complete surveys without the need for a human interviewer. This method leverages interactive voice response (IVR) technology to administer surveys, collect responses, and store data electronically.

Definition of CATS

CATS involves the use of an automated system that dials respondents and delivers pre-recorded survey questions. Respondents use their telephone keypad or voice responses to answer the questions, and the system records their inputs directly into a database.

Historical Context CATS emerged with the advancement of interactive voice response (IVR) technology in the late 20th century. Initially used for customer service applications, IVR technology was adapted for survey research to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Over time, CATS has become a popular method for conducting large-scale surveys, especially where human interaction is not necessary.

Alternative Terms CATS is also referred to as:

Automated Telephone Surveys
IVR Surveys
Interactive Voice Response Surveys

Who Uses CATS?

CATS is utilized by various organizations, including:

Market Research Firms: For large-scale surveys where cost and efficiency are critical.
Government Agencies: To collect data on public opinions and behaviors.
Healthcare Organizations: For patient satisfaction surveys and health assessments.
Political Campaigns: To gauge voter opinions and preferences.

What is the Purpose of CATS?

The primary purpose of CATS is to conduct surveys efficiently and cost-effectively without the need for human interviewers. It helps in:

Reducing Costs: Eliminating the need for interviewers significantly lowers the cost of conducting surveys.
Increasing Efficiency: Automated systems can handle a large volume of calls simultaneously.
Ensuring Consistency: Pre-recorded questions ensure that every respondent receives the same survey experience.

When is CATS Used?

CATS is particularly useful in situations requiring:

High-Volume Data Collection: When a large number of respondents need to be surveyed quickly.
Cost-Sensitive Projects: When budget constraints make human interviewers impractical.
Standardized Responses: When it is important that every respondent hears the same questions in the same way.

Why is CATS Important?

CATS offers several benefits that make it a valuable tool in data collection:

Cost-Effective: Reduces labor costs by eliminating the need for interviewers.
Scalable: Can handle a large number of respondents simultaneously, making it ideal for large-scale surveys.
Consistent: Ensures uniformity in survey administration, reducing variability in how questions are asked.
Convenient: Allows respondents to participate at their convenience, potentially increasing response rates.

How is CATS Conducted?

Conducting a CATS survey involves several steps:

Survey Design: Creating a script of pre-recorded questions that the automated system will deliver.
System Setup: Configuring the IVR system to dial respondents and record their responses.
Pilot Testing: Running a test to ensure the system works correctly and the survey flows smoothly.
Data Collection: The automated system calls respondents, delivers the survey questions, and records their answers.
Data Analysis: Collected data is stored electronically and can be analyzed immediately.

In conclusion, Completely Automated Telephone Surveys (CATS) is an efficient and cost-effective method for conducting large-scale surveys without human interviewers. By leveraging IVR technology, CATS enhances scalability, consistency, and convenience in data collection.

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