Interview mode and measurement of sexual behaviors: Methodological issues

Abstract

Studies of sexual and other sensitive behaviors are often fraught with a variety of reporting biases. When IAQs are used to collect data, respondents may underreport certain sensitive behaviors and overreport normative behaviors. SAQs can also pose problems: requiring that respondents be literate and be able to follow skip patterns. In recent years, the development of computerized technologies—audio‐CASI and T‐ACASI—have begun to overcome some of the limitations of IAQs and SAQs. By providing a more private mode for data collection and standardized delivery of all questions, as well as automated skip patterns and range checks, audio‐CASI and T‐ACASI have been tested in a number of studies and found to be an effective way of reducing response bias, and thus, contributing to a better understanding of the prevalence and patterns of sexual and other sensitive behaviors.