ACT’s quantitative research team consists of 12 supervisors and about 200 interviewers, with the core (110) stationed in Tbilisi and the rest spread throughout the regions. Simultaneously, the field department has a four-person, permanent control team.

ACT is very careful in selecting interviewers, who are hired only after undergoing testing. Before they can begin collecting data, all our interviewers must undergo a general, multi-step professional training course with modules in general communication skills and interviewing techniques. They are also given specific information and briefed on goals and objectives before they take part in any particular project. Before going out into the field, supervisors make sure that all interviewers have been given detailed instructions regarding the tools and the selection of respondents.

As the fieldwork is being carried out, all completed questionnaires are reviewed by ACT supervisors. The control team verifies data through follow-up interviews both by phone and face-to-face at respondents’ homes or places of work. Within every project 20% of each interviewer’s questionnaires are checked out, except in the case of first-time interviewers when 100% are checked.