Data Collection and Data Handling
Social & Scientific Systems staff is experienced in designing and conducting survey data collection using in-person, telephone, mail, and Web-based data collection techniques. Currently, we are conducting computer-assisted in-person interviewing (CAPI) using tablet personal computers that can be used fairly inconspicuously for doorstep screening and then attached to a keyboard for conducting a longer extended interview inside the house. Many of our surveys have been conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) from our Telephone Research Center; we currently use Blaise software for CATI, a software package developed by Statistics Netherlands.
We have also conducted a number of Web-based surveys, including several surveys of hospital staff in connection with the Medical Products Survey Network (MedSun), a reporting system used by a network of acute-care hospitals which we designed and operate for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
We develop training materials and trainer scripts for all modes of data collection and design instructions for respondents who are completing hard-copy or Web-based self-administered questionnaires. Our training encompasses approaches to special populations and handling of sensitive topics.