A comparison of methods for collecting self-report data on sensitive topics
Alan Rosenbaum1, Mandy M Rabenhorst, Madhavi K Reddy
1Northern Illinois University, Department of Psychology, DeKalb 60115, USA. arosenbaum@niu.edu
Violence and Victims
|August 11, 2006
Summary
This study found that telephone-based data collection methods, including automated telephonic data collection (ATDC), yielded higher participation rates for sensitive topics among college students compared to in-person or paper methods.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Disclosure of sensitive information is crucial in research.
- Inquiry methods may influence participant willingness to disclose.
- Anonymity and researcher connection are key factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if disclosure rates of sensitive information differ across data collection methods.
- To compare traditional methods with automated telephonic data collection (ATDC).
Main Methods:
- 215 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to four data collection methods: in-person interview, telephone interview, paper-and-pencil questionnaire, and ATDC.
- Questionnaires covered six areas of increasing social sensitivity.
- Data collection methods varied in anonymity and researcher interaction.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in disclosure rates were found between the methods.
- Telephonic methods (telephone interview and ATDC) showed significantly higher participation rates.
- No method by topic interaction was observed.
Conclusions:
- Automated telephonic data collection (ATDC) provides comparable data to traditional methods for college students.
- Telephonic methods, particularly ATDC, enhance participation rates.
- ATDC offers convenience, economy, and improved participation for sensitive research topics.
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