Collecting Sensitive Self-Report Data With Laptop Computers: Impact on the Response Tendencies of Adolescents in a Home Interview

Abstract

This research explored the effects of computerized, self-administered, data collection techniques in research on adolescents' self-reported substance use and psychological well-being. Adolescents recruited through a national probability sample of urban and suburban areas were randomly assigned to either a computerized, self-administered questionnaire or to a computer-plus-paper questionnaire format. Outcome measures included indicators of psychological well-being (depression, irritability, self-esteem, self efficacy), cigarette smoking, alcohol use and drunkenness, and the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs. Adolescents who completed the sensitive questions on a laptop computer reported higher levels of substance use and indicated higher levels of depression and irritability. Mode of interview effects did not vary by respondents' gender, age, race-ethnicity, or family income. Adolescents in the computer self-interview mode perceived more response anonymity during the interview and had a more favorable attitude toward computerized data collection than those who completed paper-and-pencil forms.