The differential effects of face-to-face and computer interview modes.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the differential effects of face-to-face interviewing and audio-computer assisted self-interviewing (audio-CASI) on categories of questions.


METHODS
Syringe exchange program participants (n = 1417) completed face-to-face interviews or audio-CASI. The questionnaire was categorized into the groups "stigmatized behaviors," "neutral behaviors," and "psychological distress." Interview modes were compared for questions from each category.


RESULTS
Audio-CASI elicited more frequent reporting of "stigmatized behaviors" than face-to-face interviews. Face-to-face interviewing elicited more frequent reporting of "psychological distress" than audio-CASI.


CONCLUSIONS
Responding to potentially sensitive questions should not be seen as merely "providing data," but rather as an activity with complex motivations. These motivations can include maintaining social respect, obtaining social support, and altruism. Ideally, procedures for collecting self-report data would maximize altruistic motivation while accommodating the other motives.
Newman
Jessica Clark
JC
Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. jessica.newman@yale.edu
Des Jarlais
Don C
DC
Turner
Charles F
CF
Gribble
Jay
J
Cooley
Phillip
P
Paone
Denise
D
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012650:Self Disclosure; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous; D013637:Tape Recording; D014481:United States