Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing Tailored for Special Populations and Topics

Abstract

Self-administered questionnaires have many advantages, especially when sensitive questions are asked. However, self-administered paper questionnaires have a serious drawback: Only relatively simple questionnaires can be used. Computer-assisted self-interviewing (CASI) can overcome these problems. CASI can be part of a personal interview in which the interviewer hands the computer over to the respondent for specific questions. It also can be a computerized version of the disk-by-mail survey. The authors have used both forms with very special populations (primary school children, visually impaired young adults, and parents and children from multiproblem families, in which professional guidance for the family was sought). This article introduces CASI and reviews its advantages and disadvantages, giving special attention to data quality.