In the twentieth days of January 2018, I was almost lucky to participate in the VCIOM survey. The dialogue is almost literal.
Operator VCIOM: Good night. My name is <...>, I represent the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion VCIOM Moscow. We conduct surveys on current issues of society throughout the country. Your phone number was selected by the computer randomly and the call is free for you. The interview lasts fifteen minutes. Please tell me, can you answer our questions?
I: Let’s give it!
A: Okay thank you. Now the computer program will load... So, your consent is there. I want to say that an audio recording will be made to control the quality of the study. We guarantee complete confidentiality of your answers. According to the Russian legislation, the telephone number is personal data, and this information will be used by the service for internal quality control of the survey and immediately after its conduct will be deleted. Tell me, do you confirm your consent to the use of your personal data to monitor the quality of this survey?
I : Yes.
A: Okay thank you. Tell me, please, are we talking to you on a fixed or mobile phone?
I am on mobile.
A: This is a mobile phone. well well. I go to questions. I will emphasize that there are no correct or incorrect answers. Your personal opinion is important to us and we guarantee that your answers will remain confidential and will only be used in aggregate form. How can I call you, your name?
I am: <...>
A: Yes, “...” is very pleasant. well well. Please tell me, you are a citizen of the Russian Federation.
I : Yes.
A: Yes, there is. Tell me, please, in which region, country, republic do you permanently reside?
I am in Moscow.
A: Yes, this is Moscow – a city of federal importance. How many full years have you been?
I am: 29
A: Please tell me, do you follow or not follow the course of the election company on the Russian President elections?
I : Yes.
Do you watch carefully or watch from time to time?
I: From time to time.
A: Please tell me, do you plan to vote in the presidential elections in March 2018?
I am planning.
A: Do you rather accept than not participate, or do you definitely participate?
I : exactly.
A: I recorded your answer. As you think, President Putin works well or badly in his post and his work has been improving, deteriorating or not changing lately. I will give you the options of answers, choose one:
Good and improved;
good and does not change;
It is good, but it is getting worse.
It is bad, but it is improving.
bad and does not change;
Bad and worsening.
Please choose one option.
I: Probably bad and does not change.
A: Yes, it’s bad and it doesn’t change. So, for a moment... I noted your response, the program thought that was all.
I: is it all?
A: Yes, that’s all, the program doesn’t want to cooperate any more. These were all my questions to you today. Thank you very much for the dedicated time, all good, good evening!
I am yes. to Goodbye.
[The survey lasted less than 5 minutes, instead of the stated 15]
They have an interesting program.