title: AUDIO AND VIDEO COMPUTER-ASSISTED SELF INTERVIEWING: Preliminary Tests of New Technologies for Data Collection.
abstract: Results are reported from a preliminary study testing a new technology for survey data collection: audio computer-assisted self interviewing. This technology has the theoretical potential of providing privacy (or anonymity) of response equivalent to that of paper self-administered questionnaires (SAQs). In addition, it could offer the advantages common to all computer-assisted methods such as the ability to implement complex questionnaire logic, consistency checking, etc.. In contrast to Video-CASI, Audio-CASI proffers these potential advantages without limiting data collection to the literate segment of the population. In this preliminary study, results obtained using RTI's Audio-CASI system were compared to those for paper SAQs and for Video-CASI. Survey questionnaires asking about drug use, sexual behavior, income, and demographic characteristics were administered to a small sample (N = 40) of subjects of average and below-average reading abilities using each method of data collection. While the small sample size renders many results suggestive rather than definitive, the study did demonstrate that both Audio- and Video-CASI systems work well even with subjects who do not have extensive familiarity with computers. Indeed, respondents preferred the Audio- and Video-CASI to paper SAQs. The computerized systems also eliminated errors in execution of "skip" instructions that occurred when subjects completed paper SAQs. In a number of instances, the computerized systems also appeared to encourage more complete reporting of sensitive behaviors such as use of illicit drugs. Among the two CASI systems, respondents rated Audio-CASI more favorably than Video-CASI in terms of interest, ease of use, and overall preference.
authors.affiliation: Battelle Memorial Institute, 100 Capitola Drive, Durham, NC 27713.
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: O'Reilly
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hubbard
authors.forename: Judith T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Lessler
authors.forename: Paul P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Biemer
authors.forename: Charles F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Turner