Overcoming the problems of special interviews on sensitive topics: computer assisted self-interviewing tailored for young children and adolescents

Abstract

Self-administered questionnaires have many advantages, especially when sensitive questions are asked. However, paper self-administered questionnaires have a serious draw-back: only relatively simple questionnaires can be used. Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (CASI) can overcome these problems, and make it possible to use very complex self-administered question-naires. CASI can take several forms, for instance, it can be a part of a personal (CAPI) interview where the interviewer hands over the computer to the respondent for specific questions. Another form is a computerized version of the mail survey: Disk-by-Mail. We have used both forms in an application for very special populations. In the first study we implemented a Disk-by-Mail sur-vey on bullying in primary schools; the respondents were 6428 pupils aged 8-12 years. The second study was a survey on personal networks, dating, and well-being of adolescents and young adults with a visual handicap (aged 14-24). This study was a mixed-mode CAPI and CASI survey. This paper presents a literature review of data quality in CASI-surveys, describes the general logistic of both surveys and the special adaptations we had to make, and presents empirical findings on data quality and general recommendations for the adaptation of computer assisted (self) interviewing for special populations.