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Predictive dialing Definition

A computer automatically dials telephone numbers and passes connected calls to available interviewers.

Predictive dialing is an automated telephone dialing system used to call potential respondents for surveys. It uses algorithms to predict when interviewers will be available and places multiple calls simultaneously to maximize interviewer efficiency and reduce downtime.

What are key aspects of predictive dialing in marketing research?

• Automates outbound calling to respondents.
• Uses algorithms to predict call connection timing.
• Skips unanswered or busy lines.
• Connects live respondents to available interviewers.
• Improves call center productivity and efficiency.
• Often integrated with CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing) systems.

Why is predictive dialing important in market research?

Predictive dialing streamlines the data collection process by reducing idle time for interviewers and improving the overall response rate. It helps fieldwork teams complete projects faster and more cost-effectively, especially for large-scale telephone surveys.

Who relies on predictive dialing in marketing research?

• Telephone research call centers.
• Market research firms conducting large-scale surveys.
• Polling organizations tracking public opinion.
• Political research teams during campaign cycles.
• Outreach firms handling high-volume respondent contact.

How do market researchers use predictive dialing?

Market researchers use predictive dialing systems to boost the efficiency of telephone-based data collection. These systems automatically dial a list of phone numbers and use algorithms to determine when to place calls so that live respondents are connected to interviewers just as they become available. Unanswered calls, voicemails and busy signals are filtered out, reducing wasted time and allowing more successful interviews per hour. This method is particularly useful in studies requiring a large number of completed surveys in a short time frame, such as political polling, customer satisfaction tracking or nationwide product research.