What is a computer-assisted interviewing system?A computer-assisted interviewing system consists of software that allows a network of computers to facilitate the exchange of information between remotely located respondants and interviewing stations so that large amounts of survey data easily can be collected, organized, and analyzed. The system is capable of conducting two different types of survey research - telephone and Web-based surveys.
For telephone surveys, a large list of telephone numbers (often available by purchase) is uploaded into the software and the system automatically dials these numbers. When respondants are on the telephone, the software walks the researcher through the questionnaire one item at a time while the researcher communicates with the respondent via a headset connected to the telephone line through the computer. As the respondant provides responses to the items, the researcher is able to enter these responses into the computer, which automatically deposits the answers into an organized database for ready analysis. This survey approach resembles the system used by telemarketers when selling products over the telephone.
For Web-based surveys, the software is capable of uploading numerous e-mail addresses and automatically sending a message to recipients containing a link directing them to a survey posted on the Internet using the CSSPPR server. As respondents complete the surveys on their own time, the results automatically are stored in an organized database for analysis. The system also is capable of sending "reminder" e-mail messages to respondents who have not completed the survey during a specific period of time.
How can this system help me with my research?In addition to administering surveys via the computer, this automated system manages calling, controls quotas, monitors call dispositions and Web-based respondents, consolidates data, and tracks interviewer productivity. With this computer-assisted system, you can set-up the study specifications such as schedules, quotas, disposition codes, and sample requirements. Further, you can continually monitor the progress of your survey study. This system easily handles both small and extremely large sample sizes.
What types of benefits are available with the computer-assisted system?The automated computer-assisted interviewing system offers a variety of survery design, sampling, data collection, and data retrieval benefits. The system asks the right questions of the right people so you only get the data you need, and allows for much faster data retrieval when compared with mail or paper and pencil surveys. Further, a computer-assisted survey system makes data collection easier and more reliable, and is able to handle extremely large amounts of survey data.
Who can use the facilities and services of CSSPPR?The facilities at CSSPPR are available to any faculty member in the College of Humanities and Public Affairs (CHPA) for use in a research project or as a means for conducting a "hands-on" research experience for students in a course. Further, CSSPPR services are available for hire by any University agency or community organization (both public and private) with survey research needs.
How can faculty use CSSPPR?When a CHPA faculty member wants to use the facilities at CSSPPR for either an individual research or class project, he/she should contact Dr. Lorene Stone, CSSPPR Director, at either 836-5019 or LoreneStone@MissouriState.edu to make arrangements, discuss the process, and gain access to the facility. It is important that faculty realize CSSPPR is available to them, but the faculty member is responsible to receive training on using the equipment, supervise their project, arrange for and hire the survey research staff, and have necessary funding to cover all involved costs (i.e. purchasing telephone or e-mail lists, wages for survey workers, fees for telephone calls, etc.).
What should community groups/university agencies do to use CSSPPR services?If a community group or university agency wants to contract with CSSPPR to conduct survey research, they should discuss their needs with Dr. Lorene Stone, CSSPPR Director, at either 836-5019 or LoreneStone@MissouriState.edu to discuss arrangements and involved costs. Depending on the research needs, a faculty member with expertise either in that specific substantive area or with training in computer-assisted survey methods will be located to supervise the project. The community group or university agency is responsible for covering all involved costs, which typically include purchasing telephone or e-mail lists, staff wages, telephone call fees, and associated administrative fees, such as programming costs, supervision of staff, and data analysis.
What are typical costs involved with using CSSPPR facilities or services?CHPA Faculty using CSSPPR facilities for individual or class-based survey research projects need to provide funding. Community groups and university agencies wanting to contract with CSSPPR for services must pay all costs. Typically, standard costs for faculty include purchasing the e-mail addresses or phone numbers of respondents, hiring and paying survey staff, covering fees for telephone calls, and any other incidental costs determined by the nature of the project. For community groups and university agencies, typical costs involve purchasing contact information for the sample, staff wages, telephone call charges, administrative fees, and data analysis services.
Who should I contact for more information?All inquiries about CSSPPR should be directed to Dr. Lorene Stone, CSSPPR Director, at either 836-5019 or LoreneStone@MissouriState.edu.