Computer Assisted Survey Information Collection

Computer Assisted Survey Information Collection

The latest computer assisted methods for survey research Computer assisted survey information collection (CASIC) methods arerapidly replacing traditional "paper and pencil" survey procedures.Researchers now apply computer technologies at every step of thesurvey process, from automating interviews and computerizing datacollection to data capture and preparation. CASIC techniques arereshaping today's survey research and methodology --and redefiningtomorrow's. Computer Assisted Survey Information Collection is the mostup-to-date and authoritative resource available on CASIC methodsand issues. Its comprehensive treatment provides the scope neededto evaluate past development and implementation of CASIC designs,to anticipate its future directions, and to identify new areas forresearch and development. Written in an array of evidentiary stylesby more than 60 leading CASIC practitioners from numerousdisciplines, this coherently organized volume: * Covers CASIC development and its integration into existingdesigns and organizations * Discusses instrument development and design * Examines survey design issues, including the incorporation ofexperiments * Discusses case management of automated survey systems * Evaluates training and supervision of computer assistedinterviewers * Reviews self-administered surveys, including optically scannablemail surveys * Considers emerging technologies, such as voice recognition,pen-CASIC, and the Web as a data collection tool. Supplemented with copious tables, figures, and references as wellas an extensive glossary, Computer Assisted Survey InformationCollection provides a solid foundation in CASIC for seasonedresearch-survey practitioners and graduate students across a broadspectrum of social science disciplines.

Computer Assisted Survey Information Collection

Encyclopedia of Survey Research Methods

To the uninformed, surveys appear to be an easy type of research to design and conduct, but when students and professionals delve deeper, they encounter the vast complexities that the range and practice of survey methods present. To complicate matters, technology has rapidly affected the way surveys can be conducted; today, surveys are conducted via cell phone, the Internet, email, interactive voice response, and other technology-based modes. Thus, students, researchers, and professionals need both a comprehensive understanding of these complexities and a revised set of tools to meet the challenges. In conjunction with top survey researchers around the world and with Nielsen Media Research serving as the corporate sponsor, the Encyclopedia of Survey Research Methods presents state-of-the-art information and methodological examples from the field of survey research. Although there are other "how-to" guides and references texts on survey research, none is as comprehensive as this Encyclopedia, and none presents the material in such a focused and approachable manner. With more than 600 entries, this resource uses a Total Survey Error perspective that considers all aspects of possible survey error from a cost-benefit standpoint. Key Features Covers all major facets of survey research methodology, from selecting the sample design and the sampling frame, designing and pretesting the questionnaire, data collection, and data coding, to the thorny issues surrounding diminishing response rates, confidentiality, privacy, informed consent and other ethical issues, data weighting, and data analyses Presents a Reader′s Guide to organize entries around themes or specific topics and easily guide users to areas of interest Offers cross-referenced terms, a brief listing of Further Readings, and stable Web site URLs following most entries The Encyclopedia of Survey Research Methods is specifically written to appeal to beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, practitioners, researchers, consultants, and consumers of survey-based information.