what is capi research

Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI)

Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing is a data collection technique in which an interviewer uses a computer or other electronic device to guide them through an interview. The interviewer reads questions displayed on the screen and records the respondent's answers directly into the computer. This contrasts with traditional paper-and-pencil interviewing methods.

Key Features of CAPI

  • Direct Data Entry: Responses are entered directly into a database or data file during the interview, eliminating the need for separate data entry.
  • Question Routing: The software can automatically skip questions or display different questions based on previous answers (conditional branching), ensuring that respondents only answer relevant questions.
  • Real-Time Validation: Data can be validated immediately during the interview to check for errors or inconsistencies, improving data quality.
  • Standardization: The use of a standardized questionnaire ensures that all interviewers ask questions in the same way, reducing interviewer bias.
  • Audio-Visual Aids: CAPI systems can integrate audio, video, or images to enhance the interview experience and provide additional information to respondents.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Integration: CAPI can be integrated with GIS to collect location-specific data and analyze spatial patterns.

Advantages of CAPI

  • Improved Data Quality: Real-time validation and error checks reduce the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies in the data.
  • Reduced Data Entry Costs: Eliminating the need for separate data entry saves time and resources.
  • Faster Data Processing: Data is available immediately for analysis.
  • Greater Flexibility: The questionnaire can be easily modified and updated.
  • Enhanced Interviewer Control: The software guides the interviewer through the interview process, ensuring that all questions are asked and answered correctly.
  • Complex Questionnaires: Allows for more complex question structures and skip patterns than paper-based surveys.

Disadvantages of CAPI

  • Initial Investment Costs: Purchasing hardware and software can be expensive.
  • Interviewer Training: Interviewers need to be trained on how to use the software and hardware.
  • Technical Support: Requires technical support for hardware and software maintenance.
  • Potential for Technical Problems: Hardware or software failures can disrupt the interview process.
  • Respondent Privacy Concerns: Concerns about data security and privacy may arise, particularly when collecting sensitive information.

Applications of CAPI

  • Market Research: Gathering data on consumer preferences and behavior.
  • Public Health Surveys: Collecting data on health status, risk factors, and access to healthcare.
  • Social Science Research: Studying social attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
  • Government Surveys: Collecting data on demographics, employment, and housing.
  • Academic Research: Data collection for various research projects.