No. 1003

Title:

(originally in Japanese)
How was the questionnaire in item count format viewed by the survey interviewers

Author(s):

Hirai, Yoko (Tokyo Metropolitan University);
Tsuchiya, Takahiro (The Institute of Statistical Mathematics)

Key words:

indirect questioning; item count format; response easiness; interviewers' view

Abstract:

    Eight survey interviewers and a survey administrator were interviewed how they perceive a questionnaire in the Item Count format. They were asked on how the questionnaire should be presented to the respondents; how the response method should be explained to the respondents; what the respondents' view of the Item Count format would be; whether they think the Item Count format is an effective technique to extract honest responses on sensitive items; and whether the questionnaire needed to be modified, if any. The result was as follows. First, there is much possibility that the respondents misunderstand the response method when they read the instruction over as they do in other surveys. Second, on the other hand, the explanation to the respondents needs to be as concise as possible. Third, there is also a possibility that the respondents might doubt the purpose of the survey. Lastly, it appears to be easier for the respondents to give honest responses to the sensitive items in the Item Count format, than to the items in direct questioning format. These results suggest the feasibility of the Item Count format, provided that a succinct and understandable explanation is given to the respondents.