DISCUSSION FORUM: TELEPHONE SURVEY 1
Discussion Forum: Telephone Survey
Name:
Course:
Institution:
Professor:
Date:
DISCUSSION FORUM: TELEPHONE SURVEY 2
In research, surveys play a significant role because they allow gathering data and its
generalization to the target population. Research surveys are categorized into telephone surveys,
self-administered surveys, and surveys conducted through personal interviews. While survey
questionnaires offer more convenient ways for data collection from a large group of respondents
and less resource-intensive, self-administered surveys make use of central locations, mobile
devices, or mails to obtain the required information. Telephone surveys involve data collection
from specific or the general population using individual telephone numbers by trained
interviewers. The survey for the 40 families in the 721 phone-exchange block, in this case, will
be the telephone survey.
Researchers often utilize telephone surveys to ensure as much needed data from a
specific sample of the population using the phone. Using telephone surveys is associated with
various advantages. For instance, telephone surveys help the researcher cover a broader
geographic location, allow them to get a quick and automatic response, minimize errors in the
research, and give them the ability to randomize their participants (Schindler, 2018, p. 208). In
general, telephone surveys are better preferred due to their lower costs and due to the fact that
they can be organized easily. Compared to personal interviews, research studies have shown that
sampling and the process of data collection have reduced costs for telephone surveys running
from 45% to 64% lower (Gubrium and Holstein, 2011).
However, just like any other survey method, using telephone surveys can have its
disadvantages. Telephone surveys are associated with reduced response rates in contrast to
personal interviews because a number of the target population may not be reachable on the
phone. Also, responses given via phone are most likely to be less comprehensive and less
DISCUSSION FORUM: TELEPHONE SURVEY 3
substantive. Telephone surveys and personal interviews are similar in that they both allow for
dialogue between the researcher and the participant. Compared to face-to-face interviews,
telephone surveys have a higher response rate even though participant refusal to engage in the
survey is higher in telephone surveys (Kelley, 2003, p. 263). The "Do Not Call" registry has
more than 50 million people, and this population may possibly exclude the sample population's
portion. Compared to postal surveys and internet surveys at a response rate of 10.5% and 4.7%
respectively, telephone surveys have a 30.2% response rate (Sinclair et al., 2012, p. 5).
The Bible speaks of conducting research and surveys to find out concealed matters. It is our
responsibility to research things and acquire more information, "It is the glory of God to conceal
a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter" (New King James Version, 1769/2017,
Proverbs 25:2). The Bible also tells us that we should be informed to position ourselves for
success in anything we do strategically. "When there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the
multitude of counselors, there is safety" (New King James Version, 1769/2017, Proverbs 11:14).
In the first place, a researcher should understand the pitfalls and shortcomings of using telephone
surveys for any research; this will allow the researcher to effectively choose the best technique to
use in data collection using the specific survey method. Once I have decided on which questions
would be appropriate to address in the research, I would utilize the following steps in conducting
the telephone survey:
Do a proper recruitment and training of the researchers to conduct the survey.
Make a decision on how many respondents per family will be needed.
Work out a method to access a computer program that will help select telephone numbers
in the 721-exchange area randomly.
DISCUSSION FORUM: TELEPHONE SURVEY 4
Decide on whether to use a computer-administered telephone survey or computer-assisted
telephone interview (CATI). I would choose CATI as it gives real-time response entry
using a human interviewer and allows for surveyor and respondent dialogue, thus
enabling the surveyor to ask for clarification (Braunsberger et al., 2007, p. 760).
Schindler (2018, p. 210) explains that participants would instead respond to a live person
than an automated computer system thus lower participant engagement.
Callbacks would be scheduled where necessary and proceed with the survey until the 40
responses target is achieved.
Perform a data compilation and analysis to ensure that the provided information is
adequate. Another round of the surveys will be conducted if needed to get a good data
pool.
DISCUSSION FORUM: TELEPHONE SURVEY 5
References
Braunsberger, K., Wybenga, H., & Gates, R. (2007). A comparison of reliability between
telephone and web-based surveys. Journal of Business Research, 60(7), 758-764.
https://doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2007.02.015
Gubrium, J. F., & Holstein, J. A. (2001). Handbook of interview research: Context and method.
Sage Publications.
Schindler, P. (2018). Business Research Methods (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
KELLEY, K. (2003). Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research.
International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 15(3), 261-266.
https://doi:10.1093/intqhc/mzg031
Sinclair, M., O’Toole, J., Malawaraarachchi, M., & Leder, K. (2012). Comparison of response
rates and cost-effectiveness for a community-based survey: postal, internet and
telephone modes with generic or personalized recruitment approaches. BMC Medical
Research Methodology, 12(1). https://doi:10.1186/1471-2288-12-132
