An experimental psychometric study comparing the sensitive data disclosure rates of different survey modes, the Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interview, Self-Report Questionnaire and the Unmatched Count Techniques Type I and Type II, among University of KwaZulu-Natal students.

Abstract

This research aimed to compare four survey modes of delivery, the Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview (ACASI), the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) and the Unmatched Count Techniques (UCT) Type I and Type II, when researching sensitive topics pertaining to risky behaviours. The focus of this research was on the domains of risky sexual behaviour and intoxication amongst male and female students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This study included a norming study which was used to scale the levels of sensitivity of a range of behaviours in the above mentioned domains for this population. A quantitative experimental survey design was then used to compare the effectiveness of the Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview, the Self-Report Questionnaire and the Unmatched Count Techniques Type I and Type II in terms of their ability to elicit honest answers when dealing with the sensitive topics of risky sexual behaviours and intoxication. Each questionnaire also contained an experience of participation section, in order to gain insight on the participants perception of the survey modes of delivery used, as well a social desirability scale. A convenience sample of male and female university students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal was used in this study. This study found significant differences in terms of the rates of disclosure, particularly in terms of the UCT Type II. This study found no significant differences in terms of the base rate estimates for social desirability and experience of participation across all the methods.