Data collection methods Flashcards
What is a closed question?
When the respondent has to answer by selecting a pre-set response option, as in a tick-box.
What is the name of a question that the respondent can answer freely using their own words?
Open question
What is the purpose of pilot survey?
This is a dress rehearsal of the main survey to check that all the survey processes are working effectively. You can check…
- The accuracy of the sampling frame
- The potential response rate
- The effectiveness of the questionnaire
- The possible answers to questions to inform the creation of closed question response options and codes
- The potential cost and duration
- How efficient the survey processes are
What key information should be included on a questionnaire?
- who is conducting the survey
- why they have been selected to take part
- whether the survey is compulsory
- confidentiality
- who should complete it
- how and when it should be returned
- what the data will be used for
- contact details for further info/advice
- incentive/ payment
- guidance on how to complete it
- whether to tick or cross
What is CASI?
Computer assisted self-interviewing - completing a questionnaire on the computer and the interviewer is present to answer any queries.
What is CATI?
Computer assisted telephone interviewing - used for telephone interviews. Allows the interviewer to conduct some validation checks as the data are collected.
What is CAPI?
Computer assisted personal interviewing - the interviewer can use a laptop or handheld device to record answers. Uses software such as Blaize. Has automatic routing.
What is a IVR?
An Interactive Voice Response - people phone up an automated line and register their responses.
When sending a household questionnaire, what should you do if only one person needs to complete the form?
Include a set of instructions to randomly pick a respondent to complete the survey - otherwise it will be the most interested party that tends to fill it in which could bias the results.
What problems could there been when collecting data in a self-administered form?
- Can the person read and understand?
- Does the person have a visual impairments?
- Can the person understand English?
- Of on line, do they have access and skills required?
- Does the person tire easily?
- Does the person understand the purpose of the questionnaire and do they have buy in to give accurate answers?
What is an advantage of face-to-face interviews?
- Interviewer can help to explain questions.
- Date can be inputted and coded straight away.
- Build rapport to get data collected.
- Can re-schedule visits for convenient time
- Show cards can be used.
- Good if the person would struggle to fill in a paper form.
What are the drawbacks of using open questions on a self-administered questionnaire?
- This does not tend to collect useful data, unless the answers are short.
- Difficult to code because of the array of answers given.
- May be difficult to read or understand.
- More margin for misinterpreting the comments made during analysis stage.
- More useful for anecdotal info only.
What are show cards?
Cards with question and response options listed so that people can more easily select an appropriate answer. Can also be used to keep answer confidential by having different numbers assigned to different response options on each card and the respondent reads the corresponding number.
What can the interviewer do if they are going to ask the respondent things that are difficult to recall?
An advance letter can ask respondents to look out papers , documents etc. to have the information fresh in mind or to hand.
What is a benefit of using self-administered questionnaires?
- The respondent can fill it in at their convenience
- Paid return envelopes can be provided
- More time given to consider answers
- Can consult other household members
- Answers can be pre-coded
- Quick to fill in if well designed
