AN APPLICATION OF INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE (IVR) TECHNOLOGY TO LONGITUDINAL-STUDIES OF DAILY BEHAVIOR

A relatively new technology-an interactive voice response (TVR) system -was used to collect self-report data from 51 male subjects (21-56 yea rs old) concerning daily tobacco and alcohol consumption over a 112-da y period. After resolution of initial technical problems, the Touch-To ne data-entry methodology of the IVR was shown to provide notable adva ntages over traditional longitudinal self-report methodologies. The hi gh compliance rate (93%) for this study was attributed to (1) implemen tation of important study design characteristics; (2) an innovative co mpensation scheme that reinforced consistent daily reporting and incor porated feedback to the subjects on a daily basis; (3) a simple, unobt rusive Touch-Tone data-entry interface with the interview and data-col lection system that provided subjects with flexibility and time effici ency; and (4) direct coupling of the automated data-collection system and a relational. database-management structure, providing immediate a ccess and analysis of collected data.