Methodology
War Room Logistics collects data for its survey research using an automated polling methodology.
Generally speaking, the automated survey process is identical to that of traditional, operator-assisted research firms such as Gallup, Harris, and Roper. However, we use a single, digitally-recorded voice to conduct the interview while traditional firms rely on phone banks, boiler rooms, and operator-assisted technology.
For tracking surveys such as those in The Vault, the automated technology ensures that every respondent hears the exact same question, from the exact same voice, asked with the exact same inflection every single time.
The first step in any survey project is to design the study. Most automated surveys involve 10 to 20 questions.
Following survey design, the questions are digitally recorded and fed to a calling program that determines question order, branching options, and other factors. Calls are placed to randomly-selected phone numbers through a process that ensures appropriate geographic representation. We can also ask open-ended questions and later transcribe the recorded responses, if a project requires it.
Typically, calls are placed from 5 pm to 9 pm local time during the week. Saturday calls are made from 11 am to 6 pm local time and Sunday calls from 2 pm to 9 pm local time.
After the calls are completed, the raw data is processed through a weighting program to ensure that the sample reflects the overall population in terms of age, race, gender, political party, and other factors.
