Psychological performance assessment via interactive voice response systems

Abstract

Two experiments examined the feasibility of psychological assessment using interactive voice response (IVR) technology and the potential sensitivity of such assessments to alcohol and fatigue effects. In Experiment 1, 10subjects performed a l2-min battery of six IVR-administered tasks, Monday through Friday, over 2 weeks. Minimal learning effects were evident during training. Repeated administrations indicated high test-retest reliabilities. In Experiment 2 (double-blind, alcohol/placebo crossover design), 7 subjects were tested every 2 h over a 24-h period during two experimental sessions (peak blood alcohol concentrations = 80 mgldL). Several IVR-administered tasks were sensitive to alcohol impairment, but not as sensitive as laboratory-based measures specifically designed to assess alcohol impairment. Little evidence for fatigue-related impairment was obtained. The results support optimism for the potential to assess psychomotor and cognitive functioning distally via telephony; however, further refinement and validation of the methods are needed.The burgeoning growth of interactive voice response (IVR) applications-automated telephone attendants that accept touch-tone telephone responses-over the past decade attests to the flexibility and utility ofthese systems. IVR applications for bank account status, airline schedules, and college course registration are now commonplace. IVR systems for routing incoming telephone calls to specific departments and individuals and maintaining voice messaging systems are becoming increasingly pervasive in government and business organizations.More recently, research-oriented IVR applications have been developed that integrate computerized interview and longitudinal survey methodologies. In contrast to prior IVR applications designed to provide information and service to callers, these applications have been designed to obtain information from callers in order to address specific behavioral research questions. Computerized applications for obtaining psychiatric diagnostic information have been validated and used for decades (e.g

Interactive voice response: Review of studies 1989–2000

“…For example, some restricted their samples to all-male Searles et al, 2000;Searles et al, 1995), allfemale (Kadison et al, 1998), or remunerated subjects (Alemagno et al, 1996;Alemi et al, 1994;Bardone et al, 2000;Frank et al, 1997;Kobak, Taylor, Dottl, Greist, Jefferson, Burroughs, Katzelnick, & Mandell, 1997;Kobak, Taylor, Dottl, Greist, Jefferson, Burroughs, Mantle, et al, 1997;Leirer et al, 1991;Mundt et al, 1997;Perrine et al, 1995;Searles et al, 2000;Searles et al, 1995), or to subjects reused from other studies (Kobak, Taylor, Dottl, Greist, Jefferson, Burroughs, Mantle, et al, 1997;Mundt et al, 1997;Mundt et al, 1998;Searles et al, 2000;Searles et al, 1995).…”

“…Two studies have used IVR as an experimental aid (Mundt, Kelleher, Perrine, & Searles, 1997;Temple et al, 1998). In the first study (Mundt et al, 1997), IVR was used for psychological assessment.…”

“…Two studies have used IVR as an experimental aid (Mundt, Kelleher, Perrine, & Searles, 1997;Temple et al, 1998). In the first study (Mundt et al, 1997), IVR was used for psychological assessment. Ten subjects successfully performed psychomotor and cognitive functioning tests, and the performances of another 7 subjects were monitored after they had consumed alcohol.…”

“…Study Study Area Havice (1989) media surveys Havice (1990a) survey refusal rates Havice (1990b) survey of student accommodation living conditions Troutman et al (1990) poisoning incidence survey Havice & Banks (1991) media surveys Leirer et al (1991) medication nonadherence in the elderly Phipps & Tupek (1991) establishment survey Patel & Babbs (1992) symptom monitoring for cardiac patients Baer et al (1993) assessment of obsessive compulsive disorder Burke (1993) tobacco cessation support line Stehr-Green et al (1993) telephone immunization reminders Alemi et al (1994) monitoring drug client treatment after-care Linkins et al (1994) reminders for childhood immunization Tanke & Leirer (1994) automatic reminders for tuberculosis clinic attendance Baer et al (1995) assessment of depression risk Dini et al (1995) telephone clinic appointment reminders longitudinal monitoring of tobacco and alcohol consumption longitudinal monitoring of alcohol consumption Perrine et al (1995) monitoring of alcohol consumption Schneider et al (1995) automatic smoking self-treatment cessation program Searles et al (1995) longitudinal monitoring of alcohol consumption Albisser et al (1996) diabetes monitoring and feedback Alemagno et al (1996) substance abuse survey among the homeless Hyman et al (1996) cholesterol reduction Frank et al (1997) anonymous HIV testing Harding et al (1997) symptoms monitoring for irritable bowel syndrome Havel & Wright (1997) hepatitis B risk assessment and referral Kobak, Taylor, Dottl, Greist, Jefferson, Burroughs, Mantle, et al (1997) assessment of psychological conditions Kobak, Taylor, Dottl, Greist, Jefferson, Burroughs, Katzelnick, & Mandell (1997) assessment of psychological conditions Mundt et al (1997) psychological performance assessment Piette & Mah (1997) symptom monitoring for diabetes …”

A Novel Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System for Dementia Screening, Education, and Referral: One-Year Summary

“…Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology enables computer-based processing and retrieval of information through touch-tone telephones. IVR systems have been developed for a range of clinical applications, 12 including screening for axis I psychiatric disorders, 13 monitoring and counseling of hypertension patients, 14 and patients recovering from alcohol dependence. 15 User familiarity with the common financial, reservation, and auto-attendant telephone systems make accessible sophisticated computer applications that otherwise intimidate substantial segments of the population.…”