It is particularly difficult to measure information on behavior that is sensitive, risky, or illegal. In an article in Science , Turner et al.† describe the use of audio, computer-assisted...

It is particularly difficult to measure information on behavior that is sensitive, risky, or illegal. In an article inScience, Turner et al.† describe the use of audio, computer-assisted self-interviews as part of the 1995 National Survey of Male Adolescent (aged 15 to 19). The respondents were randomly assigned to answer the survey using the traditional paper form

or using a laptop computer

The paper questionnaire was filled out and sealed in an envelope to return to the surveyor but was accompanied by identifying code numbers. The computer method included listening to questions through headphones, and then recording the answers on a laptop computer. The authors believed that this method would allow respondents to feel that their responses were more private. In particular, respondents who could not read would need to have the paper version read to them, whereas the audio-computer method allowed complete self-administration of the survey.