Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) is a method of data collection that utilizes computers as the interviewing medium, providing interviewers with significant advantages over traditional paper-and-pencil methods. CAPI software presents questions on a computer screen, records responses electronically, facilitates skip patterns based on respondent input, and enforces data validation rules. By leveraging this technology, researchers and interviewers gain access to real-time data quality checks, automated data cleaning, and enhanced data security measures. CAPI’s versatility extends to both structured and semi-structured interviews, offering flexibility and adaptability for various research designs.
The Structure of Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI)
CAPI is often used in situations where traditional face-to-face interviewing is not feasible or practical. It offers several advantages, including:
- Reduced costs
- Increased accuracy
- Greater efficiency
- Improved data quality
The structure of a CAPI interview typically includes the following components:
1. Introduction
The introduction introduces the interviewer and the purpose of the interview. It also includes any necessary instructions for the respondent.
2. Screening
The screening section determines whether the respondent meets the eligibility criteria for the interview. This may involve asking questions about the respondent’s age, gender, location, or other relevant factors.
3. Main interview
The main interview includes the questions that are specific to the research study. These questions may be open-ended or closed-ended.
4. Closing
The closing section includes any necessary wrap-up questions and thanks the respondent for their participation.
Tips for Structuring a CAPI Interview
- Keep the interview as short as possible.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Avoid using jargon or technical terms.
- Test the interview on a small group of respondents before launching it.
- Make sure that the interview is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
Table: Example of a CAPI Interview Structure
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Introduces the interviewer and the purpose of the interview |
| Screening | Determines whether the respondent meets the eligibility criteria for the interview |
| Main interview | Includes the questions that are specific to the research study |
| Closing | Includes any necessary wrap-up questions and thanks the respondent for their participation |
Numbered List: Benefits of CAPI
- Reduced costs
- Increased accuracy
- Greater efficiency
- Improved data quality
Bullet List: Types of CAPI Interviews
- Face-to-face
- Telephone
- Web-based
Question 1: How does computer assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) work?
Answer: CAPI utilizes a computer to present questions to respondents and capture their responses. The interviewer uses a laptop or tablet to display the questionnaire and record the respondent’s answers. The computer checks for errors, provides skip patterns, and prompts the interviewer to follow specific protocols.
Question 2: What are the advantages of using CAPI?
Answer: CAPI offers advantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and data quality. By automating the interview process, CAPI reduces interviewer errors, improves response consistency, and speeds up the data collection process. Additionally, CAPI eliminates the need for paper forms, reducing storage requirements and minimizing transcription errors.
Question 3: What are the limitations of CAPI?
Answer: CAPI can be limited by the availability of technology, the skills of interviewers, and respondent familiarity with computers. In areas with limited infrastructure or low levels of computer literacy, CAPI may not be feasible. Also, interviewers need to be trained to operate the CAPI software effectively and ensure that respondents provide valid and reliable responses.
And that’s a wrap on computer-assisted personal interviewing! We hope this article has shed some light on how this cool technology is revolutionizing the way we gather data. Thanks for sticking with us. We appreciate you choosing our blog for your information needs. If you found this article helpful, don’t be a stranger! We’ve got plenty more where that came from. Check back soon for more informative and engaging reads. Until next time, keep exploring the wonderful world of technology and stay curious!