Envisioning the Survey Interview of the Future

Praise forEnvisioning the Survey Interview of the Future "This book is an excellent introduction to some brave newtechnologies . . . and their possible impacts on the way surveysmight be conducted. Anyone interested in the future of surveymethodology should read this book." -Norman M. Bradburn, PhD,National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago "Envisioning the Survey Interview of the Future gathers some ofthe brightest minds in alternative methods of gathering self-reportdata, with an eye toward the future self-report sample survey.Conrad and Schober, by assembling a group of talented surveyresearchers and creative inventors of new software-based tools togather information from human subjects, have created a volume ofimportance to all interested in imagining future ways ofinterviewing." -Robert M. Groves, PhD, Survey Research Center,University of Michigan This collaboration provides extensive insight into the impact ofcommunication technology on survey research As previously unimaginable communication technologies rapidlybecome commonplace, survey researchers are presented with bothopportunities and obstacles when collecting and interpreting databased on human response. Envisioning the Survey Interview of theFuture explores the increasing influence of emerging technologieson the data collection process and, in particular, self-report datacollection in interviews, providing the key principles for usingthese new modes of communication. With contributions written by leading researchers in the fieldsof survey methodology and communication technology, thiscompilation integrates the use of modern technological developmentswith established social science theory. The book familiarizesreaders with these new modes of communication by discussing thechallenges to accuracy, legitimacy, and confidentiality thatresearchers must anticipate while collecting data, and it alsoprovides tools for adopting new technologies in order to obtainhigh-quality results with minimal error or bias. Envisioning the Survey Interview of the Future addressesquestions that researchers in survey methodology and communicationtechnology must consider, such as: * How and when should new communication technology be adopted inthe interview process? * What are the principles that extend beyond particulartechnologies? * Why do respondents answer questions from a computer differentlythan questions from a human interviewer? * How can systems adapt to respondents' thinking and feeling? * What new ethical concerns about privacy and confidentiality areraised from using new communication technologies? With its multidisciplinary approach, extensive discussion ofexisting and future technologies, and practical guidelines foradopting new technology, Envisioning the Survey Interview of theFuture is an essential resource for survey methodologists,questionnaire designers, and communication technologists in anyfield that conducts survey research. It also serves as an excellentsupplement for courses in research methods at theupper-undergraduate or graduate level.