The Center for Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA) maintains a 21-station Sawtooth WinCATI (Windows Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) Survey Research Lab. The CATI system increases the efficiency and accuracy of survey data collection by allowing survey interviewers to ask survey questions and probe for complete responses while not having to focus on skip patterns, thus eliminating one source of interviewer error.

On close-ended (quantitative) questions, all acceptable survey responses are programmed into the survey software, and only those acceptable responses can be selected by the interviewer. Open-ended (qualitative) questions are recorded verbatim into the survey software, and are presented as such to clients so that an accurate statement of respondent views is presented.

The WINCATI system maintains a database of survey telephone numbers and streamlines the process of sampling, scheduling call-backs and recording the outcome of each call attempt. The system reduces interviewer error to the greatest extent possible in order to provide the highest quality data to our clients.

Sampling

CUPA offers a variety of sampling options to fit the needs of your project. Based upon your study needs and objectives, the following options are available:

• Random Digit Dial (RDD) Samples: In an RDD sample, a computer generates telephone numbers based upon the geography of the target sample. These samples are truly random, in that respondents do not need to have a listed telephone number to be selected.

• Listed Samples: CUPA subscribes to several databases, including the Harris Selectory and residential telephone databases that allow us to create listed samples based upon survey geographies. While this method excludes individuals without a listed telephone number, it is often the ideal (or only) method for reaching some segments of a population. CUPA staff and database managers can discuss whether this option is right for you.

• Targeted Samples: Does your organization maintain a database of clients that you would like to contact? CUPA can work with you!

• Cell Phone Samples: Increasingly, the American population is transitioning from a land-line only population to a mixed land-line and cell phone population. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of American households today do not have a landline telephone, and these households often share demographic characteristics. CUPA staff can discuss with you how cell phone samples can be included in your sample (when possible) to ensure the most accurate snapshot of your population possible.

Project Management

At project start-up, CUPA staff will meet with clients to determine the goal of their research project. At this initial start-up meeting, CUPA will present the best method for conducting the research, appropriate sampling designs, and will detail any similar survey instruments that are used elsewhere for comparison purposes.

The survey development process is designed to allow the client to have as much or as little input into the questionnaire design as they desire. CUPA staff will develop the survey instrument and share the instrument with the client to ensure that all appropriate topics are included. In situations where the client suggests questions, CUPA staff will review/reword these questions to ensure that they are being asked in a way which is scientific, not leading or biased. CUPA will NEVER administer a survey in which questions are biased or attempting to solicit a particular response.

If you are interested in learning more about the telephone survey capabilities of the Center for Urban and Public Affairs, please contact Carol Hooker at (937) 775-2941. Please browse the links on the right side of this page to learn more about specific surveys conducted by CUPA.