Using screen video capture software to aide and inform cognitive interviewing

Web-based surveys are a salient tool in the repertoire of social and behavioral scientists. The increase in web-based surveys is understandable considering the distinct advantages offered, including: (a) lower costs and reduced labor time, (b) ability to directly transfer data into statistical packa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Quality & quantity 2013-08, Vol.47 (5), p.2529-2537
Main Authors: Chaney, Beth H., Barry, Adam E., Chaney, J. Don, Stellefson, Michael L., Webb, Monica C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior
Cognition
Cognition & reasoning
Computer Software
Error
Geographic Regions
History, theory and methodology
Internet
Internet access
Interviews
Methodology
Methodology of the Social Sciences
Polls & surveys
Psychological aspects
Qualitative analysis
Quality
Questionnaires
Social Sciences
Social Scientists
Sociology
Software
Statistical analysis
Studies
Surveys
Videos
Videotape Recordings
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Description
Summary:Web-based surveys are a salient tool in the repertoire of social and behavioral scientists. The increase in web-based surveys is understandable considering the distinct advantages offered, including: (a) lower costs and reduced labor time, (b) ability to directly transfer data into statistical packages (reducing coding errors), (c) customization options enabling more attractive presentation, (d) ability to reduce respondent burden by embedding skip patterns, and (e) access to larger sample sizes in different geographic regions. It is important to note, however, that administering web-based surveys also introduces distinct sources of error (e.g., coverage, sampling and non-response). Regardless of format (e.g., paper-and-pencil or web-based), specific, prescribed steps must be followed when constructing an instrument in order to reduce survey error and lend credence to the data collected before subsequent analysis is performed. One of those crucial stages integral to the pretesting process is cognitive interviewing. Cognitive interviewing is a qualitative process, encompassing two main techniques: think aloud interviewing and verbal probing. Collectively, these two methods seek to (a) produce information on what the respondent is thinking while answering the questions, (b) the cognitive processes used to answer the questions, and (c) how the respondent answers the questions. The purpose of this article is to provide a practical guide outlining how Camtasia, a screen video capture software, can aide and inform the cognitive interview process.
ISSN:0033-5177
1573-7845
DOI:10.1007/s11135-012-9669-4