Book Reviews : Computer-Assisted Interviewing Willem E. SarisPublisher: Sage Publications, Newbury Park, cA Year of Publication: 1991 Length: 92 pages Price: $8

Abstract

The central thesis of this monograph is that computer-assisted interviewing requires skills beyond those associated with the writing of normal questionnaires and that more planning is required when computer-assisted interviewing programs are used. Despite the relatively narrow focus suggested by its title, this work actually treats computer-assisted data collection (CADAC) in general. Within the CADAC category, distinctions are made among computer-assisted telephone interviewing (cATi), computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI), tele-interviewing using Pcs and modems (TI), prepared data entry (PDE), touchtone data entry (TDE), and voice recognition data entry (VRE). Saris, a University of Amsterdam professor, uses his own experiences and a review of the American and European research literature to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each research tool, illustrates computer-based questionnaire construction issues through the use of the INTER V computer program for CADAC, and highlights criteria for evaluating CADAC programs.