SURVEY MEASUREMENT OF SENSITIVE BEHAVIORS USING A-CASI

调查技术的最新进展（音频、计算机辅助、自助） 采访：音频-CASl）提供了一个潜在的重要工具， 提高调查测量的有效性和可靠性， 研究性、避孕和相关行为。自调查以来 测量提供了有关行为的重要信息， 怀孕、避孕做法和性病传播，改善 这些测量的准确性可能对以下方面有重要的好处 研究和政策制定。目前的总体目标是 研究的目的是探索这一新的测量特性， 技术应用于此类敏感主题的测量时。 我们的具体目标包括评估： * 这项新技术可能在多大程度上增加 性行为、避孕措施、 和其他相关行为。 * 测量和研究背景的类型，如果有的话， 技术是最合适的。 * 采用这项技术的成本和障碍（假设 发现技术产生改进的测量）。 拟议的研究计划将包括： * 最初的一系列四个实验室预测试旨在完善 使用这项新技术的运作细节; * 测试Audio-CASI与“标准”的影响的现场实验 测量的有效性和可靠性的调查实践， 敏感的性行为、避孕和生育相关行为。的 现场测试将随机抽取1,368名受访者作为概率 居住在华盛顿大都市区的成年人（18-49岁）样本 (MSA)使用另一种调查方法进行访谈。 敏感行为报告水平的变化（例如， 堕胎）将进行分析，以评估影响，如果有的话，这一新的 关于减少低报偏见的技术， 测量.报告的完整性和一致性将提供 这一新技术对其他方面的影响的迹象， 数据质量关于部署这项新技术的成本和问题的数据 也将被收集。 * 随后的三个系列实验将在 控制实验室条件，以调查认知和 解释调查反应差异的心理过程， 使用不同的采访模式（音频CASI，书面自我， 问卷调查和面试官提问）。 虽然这项研究计划的主要动机是方法论， 它还将提供重要的实质性信息。特别是我们 现场测试将提供艾滋病相关模式的精确估计， 在华盛顿特区和周边县的危险行为。年度 华盛顿特区艾滋病发病率（每10万人117人）目前为 是全国平均水平的六倍多，超过了其他任何一个 美国的州或领地。目前还没有可靠的 艾滋病相关危险行为的流行率和模式的数据， 华盛顿都会区。

A recent advance in survey technology (audio, computer-assisted, self- interviewing: Audio-CASl) provides a potentially Important tool for improving the validity and reliability of survey measurements used in research on sexual, contraceptive, and related behaviors. Since survey measurements provide important information on behaviors related to pregnancy, contraceptive practices, and transmission of STDs, improvements in the accuracy of these measurements could have important benefits for both research and for policy making. The general aim of the present research is to explore the measurement characteristics of this new technology when applied to such measurements of such sensitive topics. Among our particular aims are the assessment of: * The extent, if any, to which this new technology may increase the validity and reliability of survey measurements of sexual, contraceptive and other related behaviors. * The types of measurements and research contexts, if any, for which this technology is best suited. * The costs and barriers to adoption of this technology (assuming that the technology is found to yield improved measurements). The proposed research program will include: * An Initial series of four laboratory pretests designed to refine operational details of the use of this new technology; * A field experiment testing the impact of Audio-CASI versus "standard" survey practices upon the validity and reliability of measurements of sensitive sexual, contraceptive, and fertility-related behaviors. The field test will randomly assign 1,368 respondents drawn as a probability sample of adults (ages 18-49) residing in the Washington metropolitan area (MSA) to be interviewed using one of the alternative survey methods. Variations in the levels of reporting of sensitive behaviors (e.g., abortion) will be analyzed to assess the impact, If any, of this new technology on reducing the underreporting bias that typically afflict such measurements. The completeness and consistency of reporting will provide an indication of the effect of this new technology on other aspects of data quality. Data on costs and problems in fielding this new technology will also be collected. * A subsequent series of three experiments will be conducted under controlled laboratory conditions to investigate the cognitive and psychological process that account for differences In survey response when different modes of Interviewing are used (Audio-CASI, written self- administered questionnaires, and Interviewer questioning). While the primary motivation for this research program is methodological, it will also provide Important substantive information. In particular, our field test will provide precise estimates of the patterns of AIDS-related risk behaviors in Washington DC and surrounding counties. The annual incidence rate for AIDS In Washington DC (117 per 100,000) is currently more than six times the national average, and It exceeds that of any other state or territory in the United States. There Is presently no reliable data on the prevalence and patterns of AIDS-related risk behaviors for the Washington metropolitan area.