Question 3.121

3.121 Two ways to ask sensitive questions.

Sample survey questions are usually read from a computer screen. In a computer-aided personal interview (CAPI), the interviewer reads the questions and enters the responses. In a computer-aided self interview (CASI), the interviewer stands aside and the respondent reads the questions and enters responses. One method almost always shows a higher percent of subjects admitting use of illegal drugs. Which method? Explain why.

3.121

Subjects are more likely to be truthful in a CASI survey than in a CAPI survey. For something negative like drug use, the CASI survey will likely produce a higher percent admitting to drug use.