How Does CATI Work?
CATI stands for Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing. It combines traditional phone interviewing with the power of computer technology. Interviewers use specialized software to follow a script, enter responses, and manage calls in real time. This helps ensure data accuracy and streamlines the entire process.
Key Components of a CATI System
- Interviewer interface/dashboard
- Scripted questionnaires with skip logic
- Call scheduling and automatic dialing
- Real-time data capture
- Reporting and analytics tools
Benefits of CATI
Here are the top reasons organizations use CATI for telephone surveys:
1. Improved Data Accuracy
CATI software ensures logic checks, skips patterns, and validations happen in real time.
2. Higher Efficiency
Interviewers save time with automated dialing, call tracking, and quick data entry.
3. Scalable for Large Projects
Whether you're calling hundreds or thousands, CATI systems can manage volume with ease.
4. Better Interviewer Performance
Interviewers are guided through surveys step by step, improving consistency and quality.
5. Secure and Compliant
CATI systems often comply with data protection laws like GDPR and HIPAA.
Where CATI is Used
CATI is popular in many industries:
- Market Research: Consumer behavior and brand perception studies
- Healthcare: Patient satisfaction and health tracking
- Education: Alumni feedback and research surveys
- Government/Public Sector: Opinion polling and census data
CATI vs Other Survey Methods
|
Survey Method |
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|
CATI |
Accurate, guided by real humans |
More costly than digital-only surveys |
|
Online Surveys |
Affordable, fast, scalable |
Lower engagement, no interviewer support |
|
Face-to-Face Surveys |
In-depth, personal |
Expensive and slow |
CATI strikes a good balance between efficiency and data quality.
How to Choose the Right CATI Software
When selecting a CATI platform, look for:
- Easy-to-use dashboard for interviewers
- Customizable questions and branching
- Live reporting tools
- Multilingual support
- Cloud access for remote work
Also, ensure the provider offers good customer support and integration with CRM systems.
Best Practices for Running CATI Surveys
- Train interviewers thoroughly
- Test your survey scripts before launch
- Call during optimal hours for higher response rates
- Monitor completion rates and interviewer metrics
- Offer incentives, when possible, to boost participation
Why CATI Still Matters
Even with the growth of online surveys, CATI remains one of the most reliable and professional ways to collect structured data. It combines the human touch with digital efficiency ideal for high-stakes or large-scale surveys.
Want to implement CATI for your organization?
Get in touch with our team for a consultation.
