Computerized Self-Administered Questionnaires (CSAQ)

Computerized self-administered questionnaires (CSAQ) are a method of collecting survey data that takes advantage of computer technology to create an instrument (the questionnaire) that allows respondents to complete [Page 126]the survey with little or no other human assistance. Applications range from completely self-administered questionnaires to the use of data collectors who provide introductory information and technical assistance if needed. CSAQ applications include Web surveys in which respondents go to a designated Web site and complete the survey online; research in public access areas in which a respondent may answer questions presented at a kiosk or on a computer provided by a vendor at a conference or convention; touchtone data entry such as telephone surveys in which the respondents use the telephone keypad to enter their responses; and surveys in which the use of CSAQ is one portion of the overall interview process. Surveys of this type are also called “computer-assisted self-administered personal interviewing,” “computer-assisted self-administered interviewing (CASI),” or “audio computer-assisted interviewing (ACASI).”

The use of CSAQ has several advantages over traditional self-administered paper-and-pencil (PAPI) surveys. It allows the use of complex skip patterns, directing respondents to the next appropriate question based on an answer or answers to previous questions. It also allows questions to be “personalized” based on demographic variables such as age, race, or sex; or use answers provided earlier in the questionnaire as part of wording of questions coming later. For example, knowing the sex of a child would allow a subsequent question wording to ask about the respondent's “son” or “daughter” rather than his or her “child.” The use of CSAQ can be helpful in surveys that ask sensitive questions about sexual activity or drag use for which respondents might be hesitant to provide such information to an interviewer either face to face or over the telephone.

CSAQ designs that use devices with a video monitor and speakers (such as a laptop, monitor, or kiosk) can include graphics such as pictures and illustrations. Using speakers or headphones, audio clips can also be added. Video clips can be used to illustrate a product or to screen an advertisement or public service announcement. Audio clips can be used to “read” the questionnaire in those designs in which the target population may be illiterate or have limited reading ability.

Other advantages of CSAQ designs include reducing the cost of a survey (because interviewers may not be needed) and minimizing data entry errors (because the responses are entered directly into a database at the time the survey is completed). This can reduce the amount of time needed to verify the data and complete the analysis.

The major disadvantages of using CSAQ involve the design of the survey instrument. It must be designed in such a way that the questionnaire flows smoothly. Respondents, especially those who are less comfortable with the use of computers, may become easily frustrated with a questionnaire that is not self-explanatory or in which the questions are not easily understood. The visual layout will influence not only the response rate but the quality of data as well. Special attention must be paid to issues such as font size, color combinations, page layout, and the method used for the respondents to record their answers (radio button, number, open-ended). Web-based CSAQ must be designed in such a way that they are compatible with the variety of screen resolutions and Web browsers that are in use.

...