Download full text
(external source)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://doi.org/10.13094/SMIF-2018-00005
Exports for your reference manager
Evaluation of Gaining Cooperation Methods for IVR Surveys in Low- and Middle-income Countries
[journal article]
Abstract Interactive voice response (IVR) is gaining popularity as a data collection method for survey research. In low- and middle-income countries, IVR is used as a primary data collection mode. The system places an out-bound dial; when the individual answers, he/she hears a recorded greeting and invitatio... view more
Interactive voice response (IVR) is gaining popularity as a data collection method for survey research. In low- and middle-income countries, IVR is used as a primary data collection mode. The system places an out-bound dial; when the individual answers, he/she hears a recorded greeting and invitation to begin the survey. This approach has the benefit of reducing labor costs, but without an interviewer, there is no one to help gain cooperation, answer questions, or identify the appropriate language in which to continue, resulting in low production outcome rates (e.g., cooperation rate, response rate). In this paper, we use experiments embedded in four studies in three countries (Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria) to test how three design choices affect production and representativeness in IVR surveys in low- and middle-income countries. Specifically, (1) should we send an SMS (i.e., text message) prior to the first IVR contact? (2) Where should we place the language selector within the introduction? (3) Should we notify the individual that they are listening to a recording during the introduction? While some of these design choices resulted in different production outcome rates at different points in the survey, there was no clear effect on overall yields nor on the representativeness of the sample.... view less
Keywords
computer-assisted telephone interview; representativity; evaluation; survey; data collection method; Ghana; Nigeria; research planning; SMS; survey research; data capture; Malawi
Classification
Methods and Techniques of Data Collection and Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Computer Methods
Free Keywords
data collection methods; gaining cooperation; Interactive voice response; IVR; short message service (SMS)
Document language
English
Publication Year
2018
Page/Pages
p. 1-8
Journal
Survey Methods: Insights from the Field (2018)
ISSN
2296-4754
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed