In this article, we go through each GeoPoll mobile survey mode, in summary, highlighting their best use cases and benefits.

Short Message Service (SMS/ text message)

SMS surveys are self-administered surveys sent to respondents one question at a time (see an example here). SMS surveys do not require respondents to have internet connectivity or airtime credit, and the survey invitation is received even if the phone is turned off or out of service range when sent. Respondents can also answer the questions at their leisure, ensuring privacy when taking surveys with sensitive questions.

Learn more about SMS surveys >>>

Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI)

CATI surveys are administered through experienced call center interviewers based in the country they are calling. GeoPoll interviewers undergo rigorous training for each project they administer and are overseen by dedicated in-market call center supervisors and GeoPoll’s senior team. GeoPoll’s proprietary mobile application for CATI interviewers facilitates interviewer flow, data collection, and interviewer oversight and can be utilized on any smartphone or tablet. Features of our CATI Application include offline mode, call recording, multi-lingual support, and more.

Learn more about live call interviews >>>

Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI)

Built on the same system as GeoPoll’s CATI application, GeoPoll’s CAPI application facilitates face-to-face data collection in the field, removing the need for paper questionnaires and manual data collation. The CAPI application does not require interviewers to have internet access when conducting surveys and provides interviewer metrics for overseeing projects.

Learn more about face to face interviews >>>

Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

IVR is a self-administered survey method in which pre-recorded voice surveys are initiated via phone call, and respondents key in answers on their dial-pad. IVR is useful for reaching illiterate populations through voice calls without training call center interviewers and can therefore send a mass amount of surveys at once through automated software.

Learn more about IVR >>>

Mobile Web

Mobile Web surveys are self-administered surveys requiring respondents to have internet-capable phones with an active WiFi or data connection. Respondents are sent an initial SMS message with a link to a survey, which drives respondents to their web browser to complete the survey. Mobile web surveys support GPS location, video/picture questions, and matrix/ table/ grid format questions.

Learn more about GeoPoll mobile links >>>

Mobile Application

Mobile app surveys require a smartphone, although the mobile application does allow for offline use. Respondents who download the GeoPoll mobile application are sent notifications to participate in surveys through GeoPoll’s mobile app. The mobile app includes, with respondent consent, additional capabilities such as GPS location, picture taking, and passive data collection.

Learn more about the GeoPoll App >>>

Focus Groups

GeoPoll can implement focus group research through mobile chat groups overseen by an experienced moderator. Focus groups allow for sharing video and picture content, structured discussions, and other tasks and can be maintained over a more extended time than in-person groups.

Learn more about MROCs >>>

WhatsApp Mode

WhatsApp is GeoPoll’s latest survey mode and one of the most robust owing to WhatsApp’s reach, affordability, and ability to conduct rich media surveys within an environment most respondents are familiar with. Surveys on WhatsApp can be longer and more complex than SMS, and we can use audio and visual stimuli, meaning we can send picture or video content for respondents to answer questions about and even get photos and recordings back from respondents.

Learn more about GeoPoll WhatsApp surveys >>>

Conduct mobile research in emerging markets

At GeoPoll, we have spent years studying how to best connect with survey respondents in emerging markets worldwide. Picking the correct mode for accomplishing your research goals is one of the most important decisions before data collection begins. Contact GeoPoll today to discuss what research mode is best for your project.

The post GeoPoll’s Mobile Survey Modes and How Each Works appeared first on GeoPoll.

Three common research methodologies are CAPI, CATI, and CAWI, which stand for Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing, Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing, and Computer Assisted Web Interviewing. While these three methods have similar names and are often mentioned together, in practice they are very different methods, and each has unique characteristics which should be taken into account when deciding on a data collection method. Below we outline the major differences of CATI, CAPI, and CAWI, along with pros and cons of each method.

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI)

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing or CAPI is an in-person or face-to-face research method in which interviewers use software on a computer or tablet to record interview responses. CAPI is an interviewer-administered mode, meaning that interviewers can clarify questions that may be unclear to respondents and ask follow-ups. It is generally considered an improvement on older face-to-face interview methodologies, in which interviewers relied on pen and paper to read through a questionnaire and record responses, because it reduces the chance of interviewer error and enables more secure storage of data. CAPI surveys support nearly any question type, both qualitative and quantitative, and interviewers can use visual and audio aids.

Because CAPI is an in-person research mode, it can reach anyone, even populations who do not have internet or phone access, which makes it a good solution for gathering data from low-income populations. However, CAPI requires interviewers to be trained in survey administration and for them to travel to each household they will interview. In emerging regions and rural areas where houses can be dispersed over a large area, this can make administering CAPI surveys time-consuming.

Pros of Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing:  

• Can reach any household or respondent, even those without internet or phone access
• Allows for interviewers to collect detailed data through follow-up questions and probing
• Improves on paper and pen survey administration by reducing the chance of interviewer error or data loss

Cons of Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing:  

• Requires interviewers to be recruited and trained in survey administration
• Can be time-consuming for interviewers to travel from household to household, especially in rural areas
• Can be costly due to the need for trained interviewers and the length of time it takes to collect data 

Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI)

Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing or CATI is a voice call interview method in which trained interviewers call respondents’ phone numbers, usually working from a central call center. CATI interviews are similar to CAPI interviews in that they are interviewer-administered, so interviewers can conduct similar probing and clarification of survey questions, and CATI software also allows interviewers to securely record responses and save data. CATI interviews support both qualitative and quantitative survey questions and can utilize audio aids as part of a questionnaire design.

CATI surveys can only reach populations with access to a landline or mobile phone, which means the lowest-income populations may not be reachable through a CATI survey. However, CATI is generally faster to administer than CAPI surveys and slightly lower cost, as interviewers work from a central location rather than traveling to conduct surveys in person.

Pros of Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing:

• Allows for interviewers to collect detailed data through follow-up questions and probing
• Securely stores data and enables simple survey administration through CATI software
• Reaches wide segments of the population without having to overcome logistical hurdles associated with in-person research
• Interviews can be administered at the respondent’s convenience by scheduling a call-back time

Cons of Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing:

• Requires interviewers to be recruited and trained in survey administration
• May not reach the lowest-income populations who do not have access to a mobile phone or landline

Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI)

Computer Assisted Web Interviewing or CAWI is another name for online surveys or interviews, which are surveys administered through a web browser or mobile application. Links for CAWI surveys can be sent through multiple methods, including email, mobile application notifications, online advertisements, and SMS messages. CAWI surveys support both closed-ended and open-ended survey questions, however may not provide as detailed qualitative data as an interviewer-administered mode such as CATI or CAPI.

CAWI surveys are useful for gathering quick insights from large sample sizes as they do not require interviewers to be trained and can be distributed very widely, but they are limited to populations who have internet access and are comfortable using computers or internet-enabled phones or tablets. CAWI surveys are also self-administered, meaning you rely on the respondent to fill in a survey accurately without the guidance of an interviewer, and that questionnaires generally need to be shorter for respondents to complete them.   

Pros of Computer Assisted Web Interviewing

• Simple to set-up and administer to large sample sizes
• Do not require the hiring and training of interviewers
• Can be a fast and low-cost method of data collection

Cons of Computer Assisted Web Interviewing

• Only reach literate populations and those with access to the internet and a computer or mobile device
• Qualitative data collection can be more limited than with interviewer-administered modes
• Questionnaires should be shorter to encourage higher completion rates

Choosing between CAPI, CATI, and CAWI

As outlined above, there are significant differences between CAPI, CATI, and CAWI survey modes. Generally, if you are looking to get the most representative survey possible, CAPI and CATI are the best options, but CAWI can be useful for quickly gathering insights on a consumer population or in countries which have high levels of internet access. When choosing a research mode, you must take into account the population you are trying to reach, questionnaire length and complexity, budget, and timeline. Use GeoPoll’s interactive research mode picker to get a quick view of what modes may be feasible for the project you are working on.

Depending on the country you are looking to research in, some modes may be more feasible than others, and talking to a research expert can help you narrow down your mode options. In addition to the three research modes mentioned here, there are other options such as SMS and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) which some research firms, such as GeoPoll, offer in addition to CAPI, CATI, and CAWI.

To speak to the GeoPoll team about which research mode is right for you, please contact us today.

The post CAPI, CATI, and CAWI Research Methods appeared first on GeoPoll.

First launched in 2016, GeoPoll’s mobile application is a robust platform that can conduct surveys with text, video, and picture questions, quickly disseminate information, and gather pictures and other location-based data from individuals in specific areas. The reconfigured GeoPoll app provides respondents with a more seamless registration and survey-taking experience which will enable GeoPoll and our partners to more easily conduct app-based research in the coming years. Some key features of the new GeoPoll Application include:

• Device agnostic: GeoPoll’s application is built to work with any device, including older phone operating systems and varying screen sizes.
• Low data usage: The GeoPoll application is lightweight and uses little data, making it friendly for anyone to download and use, even those with limited airtime and low wifi coverage
• Seamless user registration and survey-taking flow: The registration process has been streamlined to verify new user accounts quickly and effectively
• Detailed location tracking: Using GPS data, the GeoPoll application can target surveys or other tasks to very specific areas, and can provide location information of our respondents with partners
• Multi-lingual: GeoPoll’s application supports multiple languages and alphabets including English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili, as well as country-specific languages such as Tagalog, Urdu, Oromo, Amharic Latin, Kinyarwanda, Indonesian and Turkish.
• Video and picture support: Surveys can include video and picture content which respondents react to, and respondents can also upload their own photos and videos of products, billboards, retail stores, and more

Developed by GeoPoll’s tech team and drawing from both the best practices of modern design and feedback from users, the new mobile application is more user friendly and will provide GeoPoll partners with better survey functionality. The GeoPoll Application is a complement to other GeoPoll research methods including CATI voice calls, SMS, and mobile web links.

In addition to traditional survey functionality, the GeoPoll Application allows clients to build panels over time to track brand health, product usage, and consumption behavior, direct respondents to visit retail locations or billboards to report on them, and much more. For those looking to gather real-time insights in emerging regions, the functionality of the GeoPoll Application opens up a range of possibilities.

The new GeoPoll Application will be initially launched in over 40 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, giving our partners greater access to more surveying capabilities and an ever-growing app userbase. To learn more about GeoPoll’s capabilities or get a quote for your next research project, please contact us today. To download the app and take surveys in exchange for payment through airtime credit or other methods, visit this page.

The post GeoPoll Launches New Mobile Survey Application appeared first on GeoPoll.

Research Methodologies

Self-Administered Surveys 

A survey is a series of simple questions that build on each other and are designed in a specific order to explore one or more topics. Depending on the survey, questions and responses can be text or multimedia. Self-administered surveys are surveys that are completed by the respondent and are often sent to and completed by SMS, web link, or mobile application. 

Respondents can complete surveys via Short Message Service (SMS or text message) one question at a time. This method is ideal for some populations, such as those found in countries in sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America, because it does not require respondents to have internet connectivity. 

Surveys can also be internet-based via a web link, mobile web link or a mobile application. With mobile web links, respondents with internet-capable phones click on a link within an initial SMS message and then complete the survey in a basic web browser. Mobile web supports video/picture questions, and question formats such as matrices which are not supported in SMS surveys.

Respondents who own smartphones can complete surveys through a mobile application which, with the respondent’s consent, has additional capabilities for GPS location, passive data collection and picture taking. Mobile applications can also facilitate tasks such as retail audits or billboard monitoring. 

Interactive Voice Interviews (IVR) are a self-administered audio interview, in which respondents listen to audio pre-recordings and answer questions using their dialpad. This method is useful for reaching illiterate populations through voice calls, without needing to train call center interviewers, however response rates can be lower than when using CATI, a method outlined below.

Interviews through CATI, CAPI, or Pen and Paper  

Similar to surveys, interviews are a series of questions that explore one or more topics. One major difference is that the interview methods discussed here are interviewer-administered, rather than self-administered. Depending on the targeted population and the amount of time needed for data collection, interviews can be done in person or over the phone. Interviewers must be trained, fluent in the respondent’s language of choice, and familiar with their cultural context.

Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), is done over the phone with the interviewer based in a country-specific call center. This methodology allows for interviewers with multiple language capabilities to easily speak with respondents across a large or hard-to-access region more quickly than is possible using face-to-face interviews. 

For in-person interviews, Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) facilitates face-to-face data collection in the field through a mobile application and removes the need for paper questionnaires or manual data collection. Pen and paper interviews are still used in some contexts but are inefficient and can lead to data input errors or interviewer error.

Observative Research

Observation is a qualitative methodology where researchers witness a respondent’s natural behavior in their usual environment. Depending on the goal, a researcher may engage with the situation or remain at a distance and only watch. The benefit of this methodology is that researchers can understand how a respondent actually acts, rather than what they self-report.

Observational research may be used as a precursor to a survey when researchers need more information about a specific question. Or, observation might be used if researchers are concerned that self-reported behaviors may differ from a person’s actions, even if this inaccuracy is unintentional. 

Focus Groups

A focus group is a small group of people (usually 6-8) who represent a larger group. In traditional focus groups,  respondents meet in one location with a researcher for up to two hours and discuss specific research topics. Similar to surveys or interviews, the researcher will lead respondents through a series of predetermined questions. This methodology allows for discussion and collaboration between respondents.

Digital focus groups can also be administered through either computer-based chats, often called Market Research Online Communities, or using mobile-based group chats, such as ones GeoPoll has facilitated with brands including Unilever. 

Big Data Analytics

Analysis of large amounts of data is a useful way to understand patterns and trends. Gartner defines big data as “data that contains greater variety arriving in increasing volumes and with ever-higher velocity.”  Big data can be valuable in identifying certain types of consumer insights. It can lead to robust decision-making around consumer needs or satisfaction and help predict future opportunities for innovation. However, the large amount of information is not infallible. Just as important is the interpretation and application of this data. While big data analysis tries to make sense of large amounts of information, market research methodologies like surveys and interviews can answer a specific research question. 

Market Research Methods During COVID-19

In-person research is one of the most traditional types of data collection and still remains popular today. However, the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus has made in-person research impossible, and researchers must find other ways to collect data that keep both themselves and their respondents safe. 

Using the aforementioned remote methodologies, which include SMS, mobile web link, CATI, and mobile-based focus groups,  data collection is still possible and safe during coronavirus. GeoPoll has experience transitioning face-to-face research to remote methodologies and has the existing infrastructure to support robust data collection. Our team are experts in remote data collection methodologies and can quickly transition an in-person study to a remote, mobile-based methodology. To speak to a member of our team about your project, please contact us today. For more information about GeoPoll’s research methodologies and conducting research throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America, download our guide to research in emerging regions. 

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GeoPoll has been increasingly tasked with transitioning face-to-face research projects to CATI, a remote research methodology which gathers data through voice calls. As a result, over the past few months we have been rapidly opening remote call centers, training survey interviewers, and deploying new Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing projects. We are pleased to share that in June 2020 GeoPoll’s CATI services operated in 41 countries, and we managed over 700 survey interviewers who completed more than 85,000 voice call interviews.

GeoPoll oversees call centers throughout Africa, Latin America, and Asia that enable remote data collection on vital indicators including food security, access to healthcare, and more. We are conducting studies for partners that directly relate to the pandemic, such as the Insights2Impact COVID-19 tracker, as well as those which track the indirect effects of coronavirus, and other studies which are not currently possible to administer in-person due to coronavirus and related travel restrictions.

Conducting survey research through CATI is an excellent substitute for in-person research, as this method can reach illiterate populations, only requires the respondent has access to a basic mobile handset, and is administered by a trained interviewer, rather than being self-administered by the respondent. CATI also allow for longer survey questionnaires than can typically be used in modes such as SMS, and have been found to have higher response rates and completion rates than Interactive Voice Response (IVR).

GeoPoll’s team is experienced in quickly launching new call centers and CATI projects. Our CATI operations are led by our dedicated solutions team, consisting of GeoPoll staff located in the United States, Kenya, and South Africa, and are supported by trusted GeoPoll partners around the globe. Data collection and interviewer monitoring are enabled by GeoPoll’s proprietary CATI application, which was built specifically for use in emerging markets.

GeoPoll Computer Assisted Interviewing Application

GeoPoll’s CATI application is a simple to use application that facilitates GeoPoll’s CATI survey projects. Using the CATI application, interviewers are guided through each survey and can easily record responses and take notes during an interview. The application operates using only a mobile device or tablet, meaning interviewers do not need specialized hardware to get started. This has enabled GeoPoll to remotely onboard and train new interviewers during the COVID-19 crisis, when many of our call centers have transitioned to operating remotely.

Features of the GeoPoll CATI Application include:

• Supports multiple languages and scripts
• An offline mode allows for interviews to be conducted when device is offline and automatically uploaded when connectivity is present
• Supports multiple question types including multiple choice, open ended, media capture, and more
• Includes a secure login and multiple levels of access to ensure all data is secured
• Integrated with phone dialer
• Provides immediate airtime incentives in many markets

Conduct CATI Interviews in Africa, Asia, Latin America

GeoPoll has conducted CATI interviews in the following countries and can launch in new markets within 30 days. To request more information on our capabilities please contact us.

Africa CATI Capabilities:

GeoPoll has completed CATI projects in all of the below countries in sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa:

• Angola
• Benin
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Côte D’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Ethiopia
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Kenya
• Liberia
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Republic of Congo
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

The Americas CATI Capabilities:

GeoPoll has completed CATI projects in all of the below countries in North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean:

• Colombia
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Venezuela

Asia and The Middle East CATI Capabilities:

GeoPoll has completed CATI projects in all of the below countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia and The Middle East

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Sri Lanka

The post GeoPoll’s CATI Operations in Africa, Asia, Latin America appeared first on GeoPoll.

Despite mobile-based methodologies being the safest and most effective way to gather data during a crisis such as COVID-19, there are still unknown factors when using mobile to collect data. Who can be reached, what modes are best suited to each project, and how questionnaires should be designed are just a few of the questions that come up when organizations are looking to transition projects from face-to-face methodologies to mobile surveys.

While formal research on the usage of mobile surveys is sparse, below is an overview of the research available and anecdotal evidence from GeoPoll’s 8+ years conducting remote survey work in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

What can mobile phone surveys be used for?

Mobile surveys have been used as a tool by reputable organizations including the World Bank, The United Nations World Food Programme, Unilever, GIZ, and Insight2Impact for several years. There is some debate over if mobile surveys can yet be used to fully replace face-to-face studies, however, there is agreement that mobile surveys excel at collecting rapid data during crises. USAID, FHI360, Keystone Accountability, and others have utilized remote methodologies to identify vulnerable populations and shifting trends during crises including the 2014-2015 West Africa Ebola outbreak. Organizations such as the World Food Programme have spearheaded the usage of mobile surveys in multiple regions to gather food security data, finding that mobile was able to correctly identify trends and seasonal shifts in food security.

Additionally, there is evidence that mobile is better at gathering data on sensitive questions than in-person modes. Research GeoPoll conducted with Kantar TNS found that SMS respondents were more likely to indicate that they felt unsafe in their homes and that they have gone without food than respondents from the compared face-to-face survey.

Who can be reached with remote mobile surveys?

The mobile methodologies that are feasible during COVID-19 (CATI, SMS, IVR, and mobile web or mobile application) require respondents to have access to a mobile phone through which they will answer survey questions. While some studies, such as the World Bank’s Listening To Africa project, provide mobile phones to respondents through initial face-to-face outreach, at present organizations can only reach respondents through mobile phones they already have. This reduces the sampling frame of any given study to those with access to mobile devices, but mobile penetration in Africa and other regions is increasing each year; a 2017 study by Pew research found over 80% of the population in 6 African countries had access to some sort of mobile phone.

Studies have found that the mobile population overrepresents those who are more educated, male, and younger age groups in many countries, but it’s still possible to target those who are older or less educated – it simply may require a larger sample base to draw from to find these respondents. GeoPoll has often targeted very specific groups, from farmers of certain crops to mothers of young children, and is able to do so through careful sampling methods and screening questions. We can also create samples which are nationally representative by key demographics through a stratified random sampling approach and use of quotas to reach the desired sample size within each demographic group.

Finally, GeoPoll uses mobile-friendly Living Standard Measures questions to calculate the LSM or SEC group of respondents. GeoPoll’s recent studies on coronavirus and other studies have included respondents from the lowest SEC groups, who typically do not have running water or electricity in their homes. Certain modes may be better for targeting certain groups; CATI has been found to be better at reaching older age groups, while IVR may reach those less educated.

Who you will target also depends on the sample source; GeoPoll has access to mobile subscriber databases in over 60 countries which we can draw from, or we can gather sample through an enhanced Random Digit Dialing (RDD) process, or recruitment through online, radio, or TV advertisements. GeoPoll can also send surveys to provided lists of contacts for those looking to reach a pre-recruited group.

What mobile survey mode should I use?

Current available modes from GeoPoll include:

• SMS: Surveys conducted via a 2-way SMS chat
• CATI: Voice calls placed by trained interviewers working remotely during COVID-19
• IVR: Automated voice calls with a recording
• Mobile web: A mobile web link that is sent via SMS or another mode and opens a basic web browser
• Mobile application: Mobile applications which administer surveys with those with access to smartphones.

The ideal mode for conducting research will depend on a variety of factors, including questionnaire length, budget, and target respondent groups. It has been found that CATI and IVR are generally more expensive than SMS, however, cost varies widely by mode and is also dependent on countries studied, screening criteria, number of questions, and other factors. In order to get a true estimate of cost, you should contact a research firm such as GeoPoll who can provide price quotes by mode for your specific project. 

How should I design questionnaires for mobile?

As many remote mobile methodologies are self-administered (with the exception of CATI) and have other limitations such as character limits, questionnaires for mobile must keep the mode of survey research in mind. For example, while one study found that individual question length didn’t affect response rates, studies GeoPoll and others have done have found that longer SMS studies have lower completion rates. Additional studies have demonstrated that certain question types may work better in certain modes; for example, a GeoPoll study found that SMS select-all-that-apply questions yield fewer answers than forced-choice questions.

What other factors should I consider when conducting mobile research?

Other factors to consider when embarking on a mobile research project include:

• Incentives: Findings are mixed on the use of incentives; A study in Ghana and Tanzania found small incentives increased completion rates, but that higher incentives had similar effects to lower amounts, and other studies have found lesser effects. Some surveys may also cost respondents airtime; GeoPoll and other services often use zero-rated shortcodes to send messages so that they can be received and replied to even when respondents do not have airtime.
• Language: Many countries speak multiple languages, and surveys should be offered in more than one language – for SMS, services such as GeoPoll offer multi-language surveys, and for CATI, research providers should have multiple interviewers with different language skills. GeoPoll’s call centers are staffed with interviewers who often speak up to 6 languages, depending on the country.
• Local Context: It has also been found that the local context is important. For example, dialects and wording intent can vary throughout regions, which is why GeoPoll always uses local interviewers to conduct voice calls and makes multiple checks on other survey types before sending them out. GeoPoll has also found that in countries such as Nigeria, female interviewers have higher response rates.
• Speed: The speed at which you are looking to collect data will have an impact on the mode you choose. SMS and mobile web surveys can be sent to tens of thousands of respondents at once, while the speed at which CATI interviews are conducted depends on the number of interviewers hired. GeoPoll has also found that IVR response rates can be very low, which can slow down data collection.
• Cost: Your budget for conducting research will be a factor in determining mode, sample size, and other aspects of data collection. While there is a tendency to think lower-cost equals lower-quality, this is not always the case; For many projects, SMS and mobile web surveys are a good option for gathering quality data at lower costs than CATI.
• Data Output: Data can often be delivered in multiple formats – some research organizations will provide raw data in Excel or SPSS, and others may do data analysis for you. GeoPoll has a full-service research team who do data cleanup and analysis and can provide raw data, create reports, and build custom dashboards.

Conducting Mobile Surveys during COVID-19

Although there is still much research to be done on mobile surveys, coronavirus provides researchers an opportunity to test new methodologies that will be referred back to for many years to come. While mobile may not yet reach every person on the globe, it will within the coming decades, and so we must continue to test different methodologies in order to better understand the nuances of mobile data collection.

When conducting mobile research, we recommend using a firm like GeoPoll that has years of experience in the nuances of remote mobile methodologies. To request a quote from GeoPoll for mobile-based research, please contact us here.

The post Frequently Asked Questions around Mobile Phone Surveys appeared first on GeoPoll.

In addition to transitioning all of our offices to work-from-home models, GeoPoll was faced with the task of moving our call centers from centralized locations to fully remote operations. GeoPoll currently oversees over 20 call centers with partners around the globe, and makes tens of thousands of CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) calls each week. While research modes such as SMS and mobile web link can easily be administered remotely by GeoPoll’s at-home teams, there are additional considerations that had to be made when switching live call centers to a more remote model.

Call centers typically include a supervisor and a cadre of interviewers making calls out of a central space, supplied with tablets and mobile phones, internet connectivity, and reliable power. GeoPoll’s call centers are located in countries which may not have reliable internet or power connectivity, which adds an additional challenge to those already presented by moving a team to operate remotely within the span of a few days. However, by the end of March GeoPoll’s team was able to successfully transition all of our call centers to virtual operations without interrupting ongoing data collection. Below are some of the plans we put into place while completing this transition.

Ensuring CATI Interviewers Had Access to Internet, Mobile Networks, and Power

The first step of transitioning interviewers to work from their homes was ensuring they had access to the tools they need to continue work. GeoPoll uses our own proprietary CATI software to administer surveys, which is an adaptable solution designed for use in emerging regions: Interviewers only need the GeoPoll CATI application, a charged mobile phone and tablet, and daily data connection to conduct interviews. The CATI application has an offline mode, allowing interviewers to continue their work even if they are not connected to the internet during the interview.

While transitioning our teams to work from home, GeoPoll conducted an equipment audit for all interviewers, ensuring they had functional devices. We have also provided interviewers with backup power supplies in case of power outages. Due to a lack of stable internet connections in many areas where GeoPoll operates, interviewers are supplied with airtime credits so that data can be synced to the GeoPoll platform mid-day, in the afternoon, and at the end of each day. This allows data to continue to flow through GeoPoll’s platform despite the remote nature of each call center.

Increasing Remote Oversight of Call Centers

A concern over transitioning any team to work from a new environment is the change in or lack of in-person supervision provided when teams are dispersed. GeoPoll already had several processes in place to monitor the performance of call centers, individual interviewers, and projects and is now following an enhanced process to oversee interviewers. This process includes random video checks by supervisors, daily progress monitoring by both call center supervisors and GeoPoll’s senior staff, and our usual automated and manual data quality control checks, which flag any unusual data patterns. GeoPoll also conducts reviews via call recording and call-backs on a percentage of calls in each project.

One of the most important elements of this remote tracking is the GeoPoll dashboard, which automatically provides updates on statistics such as call length, number of calls placed, and completion rates per interviewer. An example of the GeoPoll dashboard can be seen below; it shows a real-time view of project progress and allows GeoPoll to immediately identify any unexpected issues with interviewer performance or data collection.

Supporting Remote Teams and Adapting as Needed

As the coronavirus has spread, GeoPoll has provided our teams with guidance on how to work from home and manage remote workers effectively. We have also shared health guidelines provided by WHO to all employees. Senior GeoPoll team members are in regular contact with call center supervisors and are ready to support where needed. In addition, GeoPoll and our call centers have contingency plans in plans in the case of any employee falls ill or is otherwise unable to work.

GeoPoll recognizes that in a rapidly changing environment there are often unanticipated challenges that arise, and is prepared to adapt our operations to changing situations. We are proud that by remaining flexible and responding quickly to changes, we have been able to continue our operations as normal and provide organizations around the globe with the vital data they need. To learn more about GeoPoll’s remote call centers, please contact us.

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