NCJ Number
215100
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2006 Pages: 461-471
Date Published
August 2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study compared the automated telephonic data collection (ATDC) system to the three most common methods of data collection (in-person interview, telephone interview, and paper-and-pencil questionnaire) for collecting self-report data on topics of social sensitivity.
Abstract
Results revealed no significant differences in disclosure rates by method of data collection. Other findings indicated that males and females responded similarly across the four data collection methods and that participation rates were greatest for the ATDC method. The results suggest that the ATDC method of data collection provides data comparable to the other three methods yet has the advantage of greater convenience, economy, and participation. The added convenience of the ATDC method may be particularly useful with college student populations. The findings are consistent with the results of investigations with similar automated technology in other fields. Participants were 215 undergraduate students who were recruited through their introductory psychology course. Participants were randomly assigned to complete identical Likert-type questionnaires using one of four methods: (1) in-person interview; (2) telephone interview; (3) paper-and-pencil questionnaire; or (4) ATDC system. The questionnaire contained six topic areas of increasing social sensitivity, including study habits, drug and alcohol use, and both victimization and perpetration of physical and sexual abuse. Data were analyzed statistically. Future research should analyze the challenges and benefits of using ATDC technology with different types of study designs and target populations. Table, notes, references