CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing)

CATI is a widely used data collection method in market research, where trained interviewers conduct telephone surveys using specialist software to guide them through a pre-programmed questionnaire. The system includes features like skip logic, pre-coded answers, and real-time validation to ensure the collection of accurate, high-quality data.

We conduct CATI fieldwork interviewing both consumers and businesses using Forsta’s advanced CATI platform. This state-of-the-art system enables our research teams to collect robust telephone data efficiently, with full control over survey routing, project management and field supervision. Whether it’s a large-scale public opinion study or a customer satisfaction tracker, CATI ensures consistency and data integrity throughout.

Why use CATI and what are the advantages?

CATI remains one of the most effective tools for conducting structured telephone interviews, particularly when targeting hard-to-reach audiences or complex sample quotas. It continues to be a valuable part of the DJS Research toolkit for a number of reasons:

• Real-time insights: Our CATI system allows researchers and clients to view responses live as they come in. This enables agile adjustments to fieldwork, improves response rates, and ensures better-informed decision-making throughout the project.

• Multi-channel integration: CATI can be seamlessly combined with other methodologies, such as online, face-to-face, or mobile research. We often use mixed mode approaches to give clients a holistic view of their data across multiple touchpoints.

• Scalable for large-scale projects: Our CATI setup supports thousands of concurrent interviews, across multiple interviewers. Whether you need a nationally representative survey or a high-volume customer satisfaction project, we can deliver results quickly and reliably.

• Centralised project management: With CATI, our project teams manage fieldwork from a single platform – streamlining scheduling, quota management, and interviewer coordination to ensure every project runs smoothly from start to finish.

• Increased efficiency: There are a number of automated features – like number dialling, call scheduling, and respondent tracking, which helps our team focus on what matters: gathering high-quality insights. This reduces turnaround time and improves cost-efficiency for our clients.

• Live monitoring and supervision: Our supervisors monitor interviews in real time or review recordings to ensure quality control. Interviewer performance data is also tracked throughout fieldwork, supporting coaching, accountability, and consistently high standards.

Our CATI operations are underpinned by our team of experienced interviewers, dedicated supervisors, and cutting-edge technology – delivering accurate, actionable insights you can trust.