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Touch-tone data entry (TDE) Definition

Interviewer-administered telephone surveying in which the respondent uses the touch-tone buttons of his or her phone to provide answers. Also known as touch-tone aided telephone interviewing (TDE).

Touch-Tone Data Entry (TDE) in market research refers to the process of collecting data through a touch-tone telephone system. Respondents interact with an automated system by pressing keys on their phone's keypad to provide numeric responses or select options that correspond to their answers in surveys or questionnaires.

How does TDE work?

TDE typically involves the following steps:

1. Automated prompting: Respondents receive instructions and questions through a pre-recorded or interactive voice system.
2. Keypad input: Respondents use their phone's keypad to input answers (e.g., pressing "1" for yes or "2" for no).
3. Data capture: The system records the inputs directly into a database for analysis.

TDE eliminates the need for a live interviewer and offers respondents a simple, accessible way to participate, while also capturing responses in real-time with minimal errors.

Why is TDE important?

TDE is important because it expands accessibility and inclusivity for survey participants. It provides an alternative to online and in-person surveys, allowing researchers to gather data from diverse demographics, including those without internet access or those who prefer telephone communication.

Researchers should care about TDE because it:

1. Increases respondent reach by accommodating non-digital audiences.
2. Enhances data collection efficiency and reduces costs.
3. Provides a convenient and private way for participants to respond.

Who relies on TDE?

Touch-tone data entry is used by:

• Market researchers: For collecting quick, cost-effective data via telephone.
• Survey organizations: To engage hard-to-reach or non-digital populations.
• Customer feedback teams: To gather input from customers in real-time.
• Government and public sector agencies: For data collection in areas with limited internet access.

How does TDE improve market research outcomes?

TDE improves outcomes by offering an accessible and efficient data collection method for diverse audiences, by reducing the potential for interviewer bias by using automated systems and by providing consistent and accurate data entry through real-time input.