NCJ Number
190756
Date Published
2001
Length
354 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes research to develop computer-assisted screening and interviewing procedures for the annual National Household Survey on Drug Abuse sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Abstract
Data collection took place through paper-and-pencil interviewing methods from 1971 through 1998. The survey underwent a redesign in 1999 that involved the implementation of the new methodology to use computer-assisted interviewing for data collection. The new methodology resulted from awareness that numerous studies had revealed that computer-assisted personal interviewing improved the quality of survey data and increased reporting of sensitive issues. The development of the new methodology began with a feasibility experiment in 1996. The next steps included cognitive laboratory testing and a 1997 field experiment to identify the version of the new system that produced higher quality data without adversely affecting the burden on participants of the numbers of incomplete interviews. A final pretest and concurrent laboratory interviews took place in August 1998. Development of the electronic screener took place in three phases that concluded with a final test in the August 1998 pretest. The report concluded that the new instrument and procedures implemented in 1999 represented a significant improvement over the instrument and procedures used from 1971 through 1998. Tables and 47 references