Missouri State University
Center For Social Sciences and Public Policy Research

Research Support Services

What is Computer_Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI)? 

CATI is automated telephone interviewing software. Essentially, it uses networked PCS to facilitate the exchange of information between the interviewing stations and the supervisor station. 

How can it help me do research? 

Besides administering surveys via computer, CATI  manages calling, controls quotas, monitors call dispositions, consolidates data, and tracks interviewer productivity. With CATI, you can set up study specifications such as study schedules, quotas, disposition codes, and sample requirements. In addition, you can assign interviewers to studies and monitor study progress.

What types of benefits are available with CATI?

CATI offers a variety of survey design, sampling, data collection, and data retrieval benefits. Basically, it asks the right questions of the right people so you only get the data you need and allows for faster data retrieval than mail or paper and pencil surveys. CATI makes data collection easier, faster and more reliable.

How much does it cost?

All CSSPPR services are priced at-cost. For CATI, you pay for the CATI programming costs, interviewers, and interviewer supervisor, and all telephone call costs.