Computer-assisted Data Collection Research Articles

The Green Attitude of Four European Capitals of Culture’s Youth

This study investigated the attitude of young people (individuals aged 14–25 years old) towards environmental protection using the NEP scale. The research aims to understand how demographic characteristics may influence young people’s attitudes toward green issues. The study focuses on answering the following two research questions: Q1. How can the environmental attitudes of young individuals be systematically characterized and summarized? Q2. To what extent do demographic factors influence the environmental attitudes of young individuals? A computer-assisted data collection (CAPI) method was carried out in four European Capital of Culture cities from different countries (Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania) from April to June 2022. On the basis of this primary questionnaire survey, descriptive statistics and relationship analyses (Cramer’s V and Kendall’s tau) were used to analyze the collected data (n = 712). The results revealed that in most cases, demographic characteristics had little or no impact at all on green attitudes. Thus, most youth attitudes showed the concept that humanity must adapt to the limits of nature. Furthermore, there were three green attitude statements where moderate differences could be detected by the countries. The findings can provide guidance for decision-makers in the field of environmental education and marketing, and they can also serve as a benchmark for other countries. Additionally, it opens up new opportunities for further research on the role of formal and informal education, as well as to measure the impact of social media on youth environmental behavior and their proactivity towards green issues.

Examining Contactless Digital Technologies (CDTs) in the Midst of the COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought CDTs to the forefront of business life. This study provides an important insight into a specific country's context, which has not been sufficiently investigated. This paper aims 1) to investigate how companies’ general characteristics impact the use of contactless digital technologies (CDTs) in Hungary; 2) to examine employees’ attitudes regarding the use of CDTs; and 3) to explore how firms have tried to enhance employees’ acceptance of CDTs. A computer-assisted data collection (CAPI) was carried out during the coronavirus (COVID-19) period. The online questionnaire was completed by employees of Hungarian companies. Descriptive statistics and relationship analyses (Cramer's V and Kendall's Tau) were used to analyse the collected data ( ). Results indicate that 1) the general characteristics of companies, such as their profile and size, have a significant impact on the use of CDTs; 2) the typical attitude of employees towards CDTs is rather positive; and 3) the acceptance of the use of CDTs can be supported by practical rather than theoretical solutions. The result can add value and stimulate new research related to the usage of CDTs, potentially serving as a useful benchmark for other countries. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2022-SPER-015 Full Text: PDF

Structural pluralism and incivility: comparing patterns of moral foundations and incivility in responses to news posts

PurposeFocusing on the sociological clarification based on structural pluralism, this study explores the degree to which social media users who comment on the news posts of local newspapers use uncivil remarks and words that reflect their moral foundations.Design/methodology/approachThis computer-assisted data collection produces three types of datasets that include numerous social media comments. To explore the association between moral foundations and incivility, both quadratic association procedure (QAP) and multiple regression QAP (MRQAP) are implemented.FindingsThe findings suggest that social media users who comment on the news posts of urban-located newspapers tend to use more uncivil words compared to social media users who comment on the news posts of suburban and rural-based newspapers. Individuals who comment on the news posts of urban-based newspapers tend to show a wider range of moral foundation spectrums than those who comment on the posts of rural and suburban newspapers. Lastly, there are significant associations between moral-vice components and incivility in response to urban- and suburban-located newspapers' social media posts.Research limitations/implicationsThe employed bag-of-words may not completely capture incivility given that social media users can use nuanced and metaphoric terms instead of explicitly uncivil terms. Even though this study systematically selected local newspapers' social media accounts, the contextual factors of other newspapers in politically slanted communities could be different.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide meaningful and practical implications for journalists and news reporters. The inherent rudeness and aggressiveness of social media users can drive them to use uncivil and moral-harm words against a particular person or group.Social implicationsUnder the circumstance that fake news and politically slanted news content are widely distributed in the United States, social media users may easily express negative emotions toward news stories or the journalists who post the stories.Originality/valueStructural pluralism particularly specializes in explaining why and how the contextual factors of news stories differ depending on community complexity. Building on the reasoning of structural pluralism in the social media context, this study investigates the degree to which social media users who comment on the news posts of local newspapers employ uncivil remarks and moral foundation words.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-11-2020-0522.

What the public in England know about antibiotic use and resistance in 2020: a face-to-face questionnaire survey

ObjectivesTo describe public attitudes and knowledge around antibiotic activity, resistance and use.DesignFace-to-face household 18 question survey using computer-assisted data collection undertaken by Ipsos Market and Opinion Research International.SettingRandomly selected households...

Customer Involvement in Sustainable Tourism Planning at Lake Balaton, Hungary—Analysis of the Consumer Preferences of the Active Cycling Tourists

This study uses an innovative tourism product development approach, based on co-creation or customer involvement, related to Lake Balaton, a mass tourism-based destination in Hungary, from the point of view of the market segment of active cycling tourists. The investigation of opportunities for the development of cycling tourism first of all relies on the new approach of attraction and product development around the destination, in which it is important to take into consideration the consumer preferences of the most important related group of tourists—active cycling tourists. The sustainable approach of tourism product development also provides an opportunity to decrease the spatial and temporal concentration of tourism, which is largely concentrated on the summertime season. The aim of this study is to explore aspects of the customers’ demand for tourism development in terms of cycling tourism with the help of primary data collection, in order to provide adequate directions for sustainable tourism development in the destination. Revealing the demand side of active cycling tourism related to Lake Balaton, the authors used both qualitative (focus group discussions and structured interviews) and quantitative questionnaire survey (computer-assisted data collection) research methods. The latter online surveys were carried out in November and December, 2019, and resulted with an appraisable sample of 809 questionnaires. As for the method, descriptive statistics and relationship analyses were applied. More than five thousand (5050) possible relationships were examined between the closed answers of the questionnaire by Kendall’s rank correlation coefficient (τ) and Cramer’s V, depending on whether they could be measured on a nominal or ordinal scale. The results show that the content analysis of the primary research provides well determined directions for the sustainable tourism development of cycling tourism at Lake Balaton, so customer involvement seems to be a win-win situation both for the customers (tourists) and the decision makers.

Screen Recordings as a Tool to Document Computer Assisted Data Collection Procedures.

Recently in psychological science and many related fields, a surprisingly large amount of experiments could not be replicated by independent researchers. A non-replication could indicate that a previous finding might have been a false positive statistical result and the effect does not exist. However, it could also mean that a specific detail of the experimental procedure is essential for the effect to emerge, which might not have been included in the replication attempt. Therefore any replication attempt that does not replicate the original effect is most informative when the original procedure is closely adhered to. One proposed solution to facilitate the empirical reproducibility of the experimental procedures in psychology is to upload the experimental script and materials to a public repository. However, we believe that merely providing the materials of an experimental procedure is not sufficient, as many software solutions are not freely available, software solutions might change, and it is time consuming to set up the procedure. We argue that there is a simple solution to these problems when an experiment is conducted using computers: recording an example procedure with a screen capture software and providing the video in an online repository. We therefore provide a brief tutorial on screen recordings using an open source screen recording software. With this information, individual researchers should be able to record their experimental procedures and we hope to facilitate the use of screen recordings in computer assisted data collection procedures.

How to conceptualize, represent, and analyze log\xa0data from technology-based assessments? A generic framework and an application to questionnaire items

Log data from educational assessments attract more and more attention and large-scale assessment programs have started providing log data as scientific use files. Such data generated as a by-product of computer-assisted data collection has been known as paradata in survey research. In this paper, we integrate log data from educational assessments into a taxonomy of paradata. To provide a generic framework for the analysis of log data, finite state machines are suggested. Beyond its computational value, the specific benefit of using finite state machines is achieved by separating platform-specific log events from the definition of indicators by states. Specifically, states represent filtered log data given a theoretical process model, and therefore, encode the information of log files selectively. The approach is empirically illustrated using log data of the context questionnaires of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). We extracted item-level response time components from questionnaire items that were administered as item batteries with multiple questions on one screen and related them to the item responses. Finally, the taxonomy and the finite state machine approach are discussed with respect to the definition of complete log data, the verification of log data and the reproducibility of log data analyses.

HIV Bio-behavioral Risk Study Implementation in Resource-poor Military Settings

ObjectiveWe present lessons learned from over a decade of HIV bio-behavioral risk study implementation and capacity-building inAfrican militaries.IntroductionCircumstances within the military environment may place militarypersonnel at increased risk of contracting sexually transmittedinfections (STI) including HIV. HIV bio-behavioral risk studiesprovide a critical source of data to estimate HIV/STI prevalenceand identify risk factors, allowing programs to maximize impact byfocusing on the drivers of the epidemic.MethodsSince 2005, RTI has provided technical assistance (TA) to supportHIV/STI Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Surveys(SABERS) in 14 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.SABERS are cross-sectional studies consisting of a survey to assessknowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to HIV, coupled with rapidtesting for HIV and other STIs. RTI tailored each survey instrument tobe culturally appropriate in content and methodology, trained militarypersonal to serve as data collection staff, and provided logisticalsupport for study implementation.ResultsKey lessons learned are summarized below:Data collection mode varied from paper-based to computer-assisted surveys, depending on country preference, in-country staffcapabilities, and the country’s technological capacity. Computer-assisted data collection systems were preferable because theyimproved data quality through the use of programmed skip patterns,range, and consistency checks. By eliminating the need for data entry,computer-assisted systems also saved program resources and enabledfaster access to the data for analysis.Survey administration method varied from self-administeredto interviewer-administered surveys. Literacy rates, technologicalfamiliarity, and confidentiality concerns were key drivers indetermining the best data collection method. Self-administeredsurveys such as computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) werepreferable due to the high-level of confidentiality they provide,but required a high-level of literacy and computer familiarity.If confidentiality was a big concern in low-literacy settings, audiocomputer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) was used if the populationhad some computer familiarity. Interviewer-administered surveyssuch as computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) were used inmost low-literacy settings.Tailoring the survey instrument and administration for culturalappropriateness was vital to the acquisition of sound, viable data.Sexual behaviors and the definition of “regular sexual partner”and other terms varied according to local custom. The sensitivenature of the survey questions also impacted survey administrationoperationally. The preference for same-sex or opposite sexinterviewers varied by country and military setting. It was imperativeto pre-test the survey.A skilled workforce and staff retention are essential to providehigh quality data. Literacy levels, technological familiarity, HIVknowledge, and time commitments must all be considered whenselecting data collection staff. Retention of staff throughout theduration of data collection activities can be a major issue especiallyamong military personnel who were often called away from studyactivities to perform military duties.Host military ownership was integral to the success of the SABERSprogram. By engaging military leadership early and involving themin all decision making processes we ensured the partner military wasinvested in the study and its success and found value in the resultingdata and findings. Host militaries were actively involved in SABERSby providing staff for data collection, leading sensitization activities,and monitoring data collection activities in the field.Inclusion of capacity building elements during studyimplementation led to increased host military buy-in. Capacitybuilding included staff trainings and practical experience in surveymethodology, use of electronic data collection instruments, studylogistics and data monitoring.Confidentiality of survey data and HIV test results was of increasedconcern given that these studies were conducted in a work placeenvironment. For this reason, it was imperative to assure participantsthat disclosures of drug or alcohol use and positive HIV/STI testresults would remain confidential and would not affect their militaryemployment.ConclusionsBased on our experience, the following are required for thesuccessful implementation of an HIV Bio-behavioral Risk Study inresource-poor military settings: (1) selection of a data collection modeand survey administration method that is context-appropriate, (2)utilization of local wording and customs, (3) a skilled workforce, (4)local buy-in/partnership, (5) inclusion of capacity building elements,and (6) assurance of confidentiality.

Revealing sensitive information in personal interviews: Is self-disclosure easier with humans or avatars and under what conditions?

Despite the many advantages of computer-assisted data collection, it is unclear if, when, or under what conditions embodied conversational agents (i.e., ECA, virtual humans) can replace human interviewers to collect personal information in interviews, especially for topics that might be regarded as ‘sensitive’. This paper presents results from an exploratory study designed to investigate how topic sensitivity affects individuals' preference to disclose to a human or an ECA interviewer. A convenience sample of 203 undergraduate business students completed a scenario-based survey that asked them to rate the sensitivity of various interview topics and indicate their preference to disclose such sensitive information to human or ECA interviewers. Open-ended questions revealed factors behind preferences for interviewer choice. Findings show a preference for ECAs when topics are highly sensitive and more likely to evoke negative self-admissions. For topics rated low in sensitivity or more likely to evoke positive self-admissions, human interviewers are preferred. Specifically, participants stated that they would feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with an ECA interviewer because it could not judge them. This indicates that the evaluative capability of the interviewer plays a factor in the amount of sensitive information elicited from interviewees. Overall, results contribute to an understanding of when and why ECA interviewers can effectively replace human interviewers.

Focus on Methodology: Beyond paper and pencil: Conducting computer-assisted data collection with adolescents in group settings

Computer-assisted data collection offers advantages over traditional paper and pencil measures; however, little guidance is available regarding the logistics of conducting computer-assisted data collection with adolescents in group settings. To address this gap, we draw on our experiences conducting a multi-site longitudinal study of adolescent development. Structured questionnaires programmed on laptop computers using Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI) were administered to groups of adolescents in community-based and afterschool programs. Although implementing ACASI required additional work before entering the field, we benefited from reduced data processing time, high data quality, and high levels of youth motivation. Preliminary findings from an ethnically diverse sample of 265 youth indicate favorable perceptions of using ACASI. Using our experiences as a case study, we provide recommendations on selecting an appropriate data collection device (including hardware and software), preparing and testing the ACASI, conducting data collection in the field, and managing data.

Associations between perceived stress, quality of life and complementary health practices in Japanese outpatients: a multicenter observational study

In Japan and other countries, complementary health practices based on lifestyle modification such as exercise, diet, art and culture, gardening, and biofield therapy, have received increasing attention. This study was conducted to demonstrate associations between perceived stress, quality of life (QOL), and these complementary health practices. Computer-assisted data collection was conducted with Japanese outpatients in 10 clinics. Participants completed questionnaires that measured socioeconomic status (SES) and frequencies of complementary health practices. Psychological stress was measured using the 10-Item Japanese version of the Perceived Stress Scale. QOL was measured using the 10-Item Mokichi Okada Association Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using linear regression modeling. Baseline data of 1480 participants were available for cross-sectional analysis and data of 318 participants were available at follow-up for longitudinal analysis. Gender differences were not observed in stress and QOL, but age was positively correlated with QOL, and negatively with stress. A multiple regression model adjusted for age, gender, and SES indicated weak associations between each health practice and QOL in the cross-sectional (β=0.14-0.28) and the longitudinal analysis (β=0.17-0.27). Moreover, negative associations between each health practice and stress varied from -0.08 to -0.18, with the exception of biofield therapy in the cross-sectional analysis. In the longitudinal analysis, associations varied from -0.13 to -0.27, but diet and biofield therapy were not significantly associated with stress. These results suggest that complementary health practices had a significant effect on maintaining, or improving QOL, as well as in reducing stress of Japanese outpatients.

Analysis of HIV Testing Acceptance and Risk Factors of an Adolescent Cohort Using Emergency Department–Based Multimedia HIV Testing and Counseling

The social environment in the Bronx, NY, has led to HIV infection rates among young people that are much higher than the national average. A prospective observational study on a convenience sample of medically stable emergency department (ED) patients was conducted from October 1, 2005, to August 31, 2012. Acceptability of the tested model was determined by assessing the number of patients tested and identified HIV infections. Data were compared with data from the rest of the ED that tested for HIV. A total of 10,149 adolescents were approached during this period, of which 9.5% refused or were ineligible to test. Of those approached, 38.9% of patients were male, 59.7% were Hispanic, and 33.6% were black. The mean age was 19.4 ± 1.4 years, and 8.2% of patients were men who have sex with men. For risk behavior profiles, 24.3% never used condoms in the past 3 months. Incidence of HIV was less than 1%, and 92.6% of HIV-positive patients were linked to care. Of the patients who completed a postsatisfaction survey, 82.4% felt influenced to change their sexual practices. A smaller percentage of adolescent had tested previously for HIV compared with nonadolescents (67.7% vs. 80.6%). There was a slightly larger percentage of adolescents that accepted HIV testing compared with nonadolescents (95.4% vs. 90.8%). Adolescents who were positive for HIV were tested earlier in the progression of the disease, with higher median CD4 cell counts and lower viral loads compared with nonadolescents. Adolescents were highly receptive to a multimedia-integrated ED-based HIV testing program, as indicated by their high uptake of testing.

PUBLIC SERVICE NEWS ON THE WEB

This article provides an empirical basis for discussions of public service news on the Web. Through innovative use of computer-assisted data gathering and structuring, and a combination of quantitative methods, we present the results from a large-scale analysis of the online news content of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, NRK. The study reveals not only specifics of the online news genre, but also the dual role of NRK as a public service broadcaster. nrk.no fulfils regional content provisions by having a heavy local news focus on the website's “inside”. Simultaneously, its front page profile suggests NRK operates in direct competition with commercial national online news actors. The article offers new insights into the nature of online news as offered by a large, traditional media institution. These insights are key to any discussion of online journalism, as well as the future of public service broadcasting. Furthermore, through the employment of innovative computer-assisted data collection and structuring, the article aims to contribute to the development of the methodological arsenal of journalism studies.

Engaging HIV-Positive Individuals in Specialized Care from an Urban Emergency Department

Linking patients who test positive for HIV in an emergency department (ED) setting to HIV care can be challenging. The aim of this study was to assess whether a multimedia HIV testing model utilized in an inner-city ED can effectively link HIV-positive individuals into specialized medical care. A prospective cohort study was performed from October 2005 to January 2009 at an urban academic hospital with a Level 1 trauma center and in-house specialized HIV clinic. Patients were HIV tested in the ED using a multimedia video counseling program which included computer-assisted data collection. Patients who tested positive were linked to care by the same counselor who gave the test result. Linkage was immediate for discharged patients during clinic hours and patients tested during off-hours were scheduled a visit on the next business day. All follow-up was conducted through chart review. The public health advocates (PHAs) tested 24,495 patients over the course of the study, of whom 116 (0.47%) were HIV positive and 93 were newly diagnosed. A total of 83.6% (97/116) of HIV-positive individuals were linked into specialized care, defined here as an outpatient clinic visit within 30 days of diagnosis in the ED. The findings suggest that a multimedia testing model that includes a counselor who acts as tester and navigator can successfully link a high percentage of patients into specialized care.

Impact of computer-assisted data collection, evaluation and management on the cancer genetic counselor’s time providing patient care

Cancer genetic counseling sessions traditionally encompass collecting medical and family history information, evaluating that information for the likelihood of a genetic predisposition for a hereditary cancer syndrome, conveying that information to the patient, offering genetic testing when appropriate, obtaining consent and subsequently documenting the encounter with a clinic note and pedigree. Software programs exist to collect family and medical history information electronically, intending to improve efficiency and simplicity of collecting, managing and storing this data. This study compares the genetic counselor's time spent in cancer genetic counseling tasks in a traditional model and one using computer-assisted data collection, which is then used to generate a pedigree, risk assessment and consult note. Genetic counselor time spent collecting family and medical history and providing face-to-face counseling for a new patient session decreased from an average of 85-69min when using the computer-assisted data collection. However, there was no statistically significant change in overall genetic counselor time on all aspects of the genetic counseling process, due to an increased amount of time spent generating an electronic pedigree and consult note. Improvements in the computer program's technical design would potentially minimize data manipulation. Certain aspects of this program, such as electronic collection of family history and risk assessment, appear effective in improving cancer genetic counseling efficiency while others, such as generating an electronic pedigree and consult note, do not.

Latent class analysis of functional somatic symptoms in a population-based sample of twins

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate empirically how and in what way individuals with symptoms of functional somatic syndromes should be classified. We also aimed to look into genetic and environmental influences on the classification. MethodA total of 28,531 twins aged 41–64 underwent screening interviews via a computer-assisted data collection system from 1998 to 2002. Nine functional somatic symptoms (abnormal tiredness, general muscular pain, recurrent abdominal discomfort, back pain, gastroesophageal reflux, recurrent headache, recurrent urinary problem, dizziness, breathlessness at rest) were assessed using structured questions in a blinded manner. Latent class analysis was applied to the data. Structural equation modeling was further performed in order to estimate the relative importance of genetic and environmental influences on class probability. ResultsLatent class analysis resulted in a five-class solution. Individuals in the first class did not show any health problems. Those assigned to the second, third, and fourth classes tended to have abnormal tiredness, gastrointestinal problems, and pain-related symptoms, respectively. Individuals in the fifth class had multiple symptoms to a greater extent than the other classes. All the five classes showed modest genetic influences (7–29% of the total variation) with gender differences except Class 3; however, the majority of influences on the class membership derived from unique environmental effects. ConclusionThe findings suggested the necessity of redefining the existing classification criteria for functional somatic syndromes in terms of single (uncomplicated) or multiple (complicated) syndromes. Environmental influences are important for the etiology of functional somatic syndromes.

Computerized prospective screening for high levels of emotional distress in head and neck cancer patients and referral rate to psychosocial care

To investigate prospectively the prevalence of high levels of emotional distress and referral rate to psychosocial care in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) patients. Fifty-five consecutive newly diagnosed HNSCC patients were asked to complete the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and the EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35 quality of life questionnaires on a touch screen computer-assisted data collection system on their first visit and during follow-up visit. Sociodemographic, clinical, and quality of life parameters were compared to a high level of distress (HADS score >15). Number of patients with a high level of distress were compared to referral rates to psychosocial care as retrieved from patient hospital files. At time of diagnosis, 18% (10/55) of the patients had a high level of distress (related to tumor stage and site, and global quality of life and social eating) versus 25% (14/55) at follow-up (related to a variety of quality of life parameters). Low levels of distress at baseline or follow-up was noted in 64%; 18% had normal scores at baseline and developed distress at follow-up; 11% had high levels at baseline and returned to normal scores at follow-up, and 7% had persistent distress from baseline to follow-up. No patients were referred to psychosocial care at time of diagnosis. At follow-up visit 21% (3/14) were referred, all patients who developed a high level of distress after initial diagnosis. High level of emotional distress is common and few patients are referred to psychosocial care. Development of a stepped care model (including careful monitoring by using a touch screen computer system) may meet the potentially unmet needs of HNC patients and contribute improving cancer care.

A computer-assisted data collection system for use in a multicenter study of American Indians and Alaska Natives: SCAPES

We describe a computer-assisted data collection system developed for a multicenter cohort study of American Indian and Alaska Native people. The study computer-assisted participant evaluation system or SCAPES is built around a central database server that controls a small private network with touch screen workstations. SCAPES encompasses the self-administered questionnaires, the keyboard-based stations for interviewer-administered questionnaires, a system for inputting medical measurements, and administrative tasks such as data exporting, backup and management. Elements of SCAPES hardware/network design, data storage, programming language, software choices, questionnaire programming including the programming of questionnaires administered using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI), and participant identification/data security system are presented. Unique features of SCAPES are that data are promptly made available to participants in the form of health feedback; data can be quickly summarized for tribes for health monitoring and planning at the community level; and data are available to study investigators for analyses and scientific evaluation.

Measuring Political Debate on the Chinese Internet Forum

This paper addresses the methodological issue of how to quantify and measure seemingly chaotic, crude and impulsive online interactions in Chinese Internet forums, which have played an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s political spectrum. It introduces an integrated research methodology, designed and developed specifically in a four-year project conducted by this author on the Chinese Internet forums, the first of its kind which scrutinises the interactive content of 14 major political forums in China and overseas over a one-year period, consisting of over 450,000 postings. Using commercial and self-developed online content analysis tools, this methodology features a series of computer-assisted data collection, quantitative analysis, and qualitative approaches. It investigates first from a wide range of mega data extracted online to capture the general dynamics of the Chinese Forum. It then focuses on the selected categories of text data to delineate the linkage of global connectivity among forum networks and reveal the spectrum of discourse and pattern of deliberation. The paper, which conceptualises Chinese Internet forums as discursive public spaces mediated by the new online conversational media, aims to establish a series of applicable methods to study the publicly accessed interactive content of online political talk in the global network of the Chinese Internet.

Handheld Computers for Direct Observation of the Social and Physical Environment

This article evaluates the use of handheld computers for systematic observation of the social and physical environments. Handheld computers, also known as personal digital assistants (PDAs), make the advantages of computer-assisted data collection (CADC) more accessible to field-based researchers. In particular, CADC with handheld computers may improve data quality, reduce turnaround time, and enhance research capacity for community-academic partnerships. Here, we describe our experiences using handheld computers for the Healthy Environments Partnership's Neighborhood Observational Checklist, an instrument for systematic observation of the social and physical environments. We discuss hardware and software considerations, observer training and implementation strategies, and observer attitudes toward using handhelds in the field. We conclude that handheld computers are a feasible alternative to pen-and-paper forms, and we identify ways that future researchers can maximize the advantages of CADC with handheld computers to advance our understanding of how neighborhood context relates to individual-level outcomes.