‘Qualitative Data Analysis: Representations of a Technology: A Comment on Coffey, Holbrook and Atkinson’

This paper begins with a taxonomy of current computer assisted data collection methods, then reviews conceptual and theoretical arguments and empirical evidence on such topics as: respondents and interviewer acceptance of new techniques, and effect of computer assisted interviewing on data quality.

Abstract

Whether computer assisted data collection methods should be used for survey data collection is no longer an issue. Most professional research organizations, commercial, government and academic, are adopting these new methods with enthusiasm. Computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) is most prevalent, and computer assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) is rapidly gaining in popularity. Also, new forms of electronic reporting of data using computers, telephones and voice recognition technology are emerging. This paper begins with a taxonomy of current computer assisted data collection methods. It then reviews conceptual and theoretical arguments and empirical evidence on such topics as: (1) respondents and interviewer acceptance of new techniques, (2) effect of computer assisted interviewing on data quality, (3) consequences for survey costs and (4) centralized vs. decentralized deployment of CATI.