Disk by Mail

Disk by mail is a survey administration technique in which a selected respondent is mailed a computer disk that contains a questionnaire and a self-starting interview program. The respondent runs the program on [Page 204]his or her own computer and returns the disk containing the completed questionnaire. In some instances, the disk may provide an option for the person to transmit his or her responses over the Internet. Although disk-by-mail surveys can be conducted with the general public, the approach is most effective for targeted populations such as professional or business groups for whom computer access is nearly universal.

Disk by mail is one of a variety of computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) techniques. As such it has some of the advantages of a computerized survey. These surveys have the capability of guiding the respondent interactively through the questionnaire and including very complex skip patterns or rotation logic. This approach can also offer many innovative features beyond traditional mail and telephone surveys, but it does require costs and time in terms of programming and distribution of the survey. Because the approach is computer based, it allows the researcher to enhance the survey forms with respect to the use of color, innovative screen designs, question formatting, and other features not available with paper questionnaires. They can prohibit multiple or blank responses by not allowing the participant to continue on or to submit the survey without first correcting the response error.

Disk by mail also shares some of the advantages of mail surveys. It is less expensive than telephone surveys since there are no interviewer costs incurred, eliminates the potential for interviewer bias, provides respondents with greater “perceived” anonymity that may lead to more truthful answers, especially on sensitive questions; and allows respondents to complete the survey on their own time, that is, when it is most convenient.

Disk by mail does have some drawbacks as a survey technique. It is restricted to those having access to a computer and limited by the technological capacity or make of the respondent's computer. Although disk-by-mail surveys allow for much more innovative features than paper-and-pencil mailed surveys, some respondents may have difficulty accessing the survey due to poor computer skills and will not be able to respond. Furthermore, some people are not accustomed to the process used to respond to an electronic survey (e.g. selecting from a pull-down menu, clicking a radio button, scrolling from screen to screen) and will need specific instructions that guide them through each question and the manner in which they should respond. As with other computer-based survey tools, respondents are often concerned about confidentiality and may be reluctant to download files in fear that they may contain viruses. Additionally, disk by mail typically requires a longer fielding period than some other methods (such as telephone) to complete the project, can make it difficult for the respondent to ask questions or seek clarification, can be limited by low literacy rates among some populations, and provides researchers with little control over who actually completes the survey, thus leading to the possibility of within-unit coverage error.

...