Final answer:
Telephone polling has transformed with technology, with methods ranging from purchased lists to random-digit-dialing. The shift in phone usage and communication preferences pose challenges for pollsters, as people increasingly avoid unsolicited calls and protect their privacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Telephone polling has evolved significantly over time due to various factors, including technological advancements and shifts in communication habits. Traditional methods, such as those used by companies such as Harris Interactive, involve acquiring directories of potential respondents like registered voters or specific consumer groups. In contrast, organizations like Gallup may use random-digit-dialing (RDD) to reach a broader demographic, including those with unlisted numbers or cell phones.
However, several challenges face telephone polling. For instance, an increased reliance on caller ID, reduction in landline usage, and privacy concerns have made reaching respondents more difficult. Furthermore, robo-polls, while automated and potentially providing more candid responses, suffer from limitations such as legal restrictions on calling cell phones and difficulties ensuring that respondents understand and correctly answer questions.
The dynamics of polling are continuously changing, with many people exhibiting a decreased willingness to be interviewed due to factors like hectic personal schedules and the availability of technologies like voicemail, which allow them to screen calls more effectively.