Computer-Assisted Interviewing (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences) [Paperback]

Willem E. Saris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0803940661 | ISBN-13: 978-0803940666 | Edition: 1

Aimed at aiding researchers to improve their data's quality, Computer-Assisted Interviewing helps readers identify the possibilities and difficulties which arise in computer-assisted interviewing. The author annotates samples of actual research questionnaires so that readers can compare the usual paper questionnaire against the extra statements needed for clear computer-assisted interviewing. In addition, the book includes an overview of the important features to consider if one wants to purchase a CADAC program.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc; 1 edition (August 14, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803940661
• ISBN-13: 978-0803940666
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,335,237 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Old-Time Computer-Assisted Interviewing, September 17, 2010

By 

John M. Ford "johnDC" (near DC, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Computer-Assisted Interviewing (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences) (Paperback)

Willem Saris wrote this book nearly twenty years ago as an introduction to "computer-assisted data collection" (CADAC) for researchers already well-versed in paper questionnaire design. At that time it was an up-to -date and helpful introduction. Two decades later, like all of us, it has begun to show signs of its age.

The book begins with an overview of the history and general concepts of computer-assisted data gathering. The author discusses the relative merits and different dynamics of interviewer-administered interviews, self-administered interviews, and panel interviews. The latter half of the book discusses design of questionnaires--question forms, skip patterns, automated data verification, and so on--and provides guidance for those purchasing or developing CADAC software.

Much, even most, of the book's recommendations about software is no longer current. But a surprising amount of questionnaire design advice is still relevant. In particular, the discussion of self-administered questionnaires anticipates many issues in current web-based survey administration without having anticipated the web itself. Even so, this book is now of more historical than practical value. I suggest Conrad and Shober's edited volume Envisioning the Survey Interview of the Future for a more current view of innovative survey methods.