Interview mode and measurement of sexual behaviors: Methodological issues

Studies of sexual and other sensitive behaviors are often fraught with a variety of reporting biases. When IAQs are used to collect data, respondents may underreport certain sensitive behaviors and overreport nonnative behaviors. SAQs can also pose problems: requiring that respondents be literate and be able to follow skip patterns. In recent years, the development of computerized technologies-audio-CASI and T-ACASI-have begun to overcome some of the limitations of IAQs and SAQs. By providing a more private mode for data collection and standardized delivery of all questions, as well as automated skip patterns and range checks, audio-CASI and T-ACASI have been tested in a number of studies and found to be an effective way of reducing response bins, and thus, contributing to a better understanding of the prevalence and patterns of sexual and other sensitive behaviors.