Research Topics:

Health Care (Healthcare) Research | Social Issue Research Consultation

Industry/Market Focus:

Health Care (Healthcare)

Content Type:

Glossary

Audio Computer Aided Self-Administered Interviewing (ACASI) Definition

Self-administered surveying in which the respondent listens to the questions over headphones. Responses are usually registered using a computer-based questionnaire. If responses are recorded on paper it is known as audio SAQ.

Audio computer aided self-administered Interviewing (ACASI) is a survey method that relies on computer or mobile devices and audio recordings to conduct self-administered interviews. Respondents listen to prerecorded questions through headphones or speakers, then enter answers using the device. This technology is intended to enable a private and confidential mode of data collection. It is designed to offer advantages compared to traditional face-to-face or paper-based interviews, such as enhancing privacy and confidentiality, which can lead to more honest and accurate responses from participants; reducing social desirability bias, as respondents feel more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a computer than to an interviewer; and to allow for  self-pacing, which ensures that participants have enough time to consider their answers thoroughly.

Who relies on ACASI?

ACASI is regularly relied upon when collecting information on sensitive or stigmatized topics like sexual behavior, substance abuse and mental health. It is often employed in public health research, social sciences and epidemiological studies to gather accurate and unbiased information from survey participants. What’s more, organizations and government agencies involved in data collection and research also benefit from ACASI.

Why should I care about ACASI?

ACASI offers a number of advantages over traditional face-to-face or paper-based interviews, including enhanced privacy and confidentiality, which can lead to more honest and accurate responses from participants; a reduction in social desirability bias, in which respondents can be more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a computer than to an interviewer; and  self-pacing, which ensures that participants have time to consider their answers thoroughly. ACASI has been proven to increase data reliability and validity, making it valuable to gather high-quality research data.