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：Audio-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 性、避孕及相关行为的研究。自调查以来 测量提供了有关以下行为的重要信息 怀孕、避孕和性传播疾病的改进 在这些测量的准确性方面可能会有重要的好处 无论是为了研究还是为了制定政策。当前的总体目标 研究是为了探索这一新的测量特征 当技术应用于这种敏感话题的测量时。 我们的具体目标包括评估： *这项新技术可能增加的程度(如果有) 性、避孕措施调查测量的效度和可靠性 以及其他相关行为。 *测量的类型和研究背景(如果有) 技术是最合适的。 *采用这项技术的成本和障碍(假设 技术被发现产生了改进的测量)。 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 使用这项新技术的操作细节； *现场试验测试Audio-CASI与“标准”的影响 关于测量的效度和可靠性的调查实践 敏感的性行为、避孕行为和与生育有关的行为。这个 现场测试将随机抽取1,368名受访者作为概率 居住在华盛顿大都会地区的成年人(18-49岁)样本 (MSA)使用备选调查方法之一进行访谈。 敏感行为的报告级别的变化(例如， 将对堕胎)进行分析，以评估这一新的 减少少报偏见的技术，这种偏见通常困扰着 测量。报告的完整性和一致性将提供 表明这项新技术对其他方面的影响 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。 *其后将在下列计划下进行一系列的三项试验 受控实验室条件，以调查认知和 解释调查反应差异的心理过程 使用不同的面试模式(音频-CASI、书面自述 进行问卷调查和面试者提问)。 虽然这个研究项目的主要动机是方法论， 它还将提供重要的实质性信息。尤其是，我们的 现场测试将提供与艾滋病相关的模式的准确估计 华盛顿特区及周边县的危险行为。一年一度的 华盛顿特区的艾滋病发病率(117/100,000)目前是 是全国平均水平的六倍多，而且超过了任何其他 美国的州或领地。目前还没有可靠的 年艾滋病相关危险行为患病率和模式的数据 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.