********************************************************* *** an announcement from: The Association for Survey Computing. *** Apologies for any cross-postings; *** Please feel free to pass this on; *** Please reply to [log in to unmask]; *** Thank you. ********************************************************* THE IMPACT OF CAI ON LARGE AND COMPLEX SURVEYS A One-Day Conference organised by THE ASSOCIATION FOR SURVEY COMPUTING Imperial College, London, January 8, 1999 Compared to even a few years ago, Computer Aided Interviewing (CAI) is now relatively widespread and mature. A move to CAI can, for example, lead to improvements in data quality and turnaround times; it can even make possible surveys that would not otherwise be contemplated. For these and other reasons, many survey organisations and clients have been persuaded that CAI is where the future of survey research lies. Not everyone, however, is entirely convinced; paper and pencil interviewing still has its role; the promise of CAI will be realised only under certain conditions. This conference will explore the impact of CAI on, and its potential for the undertaking, organisation and costs of Large and Complex Surveys (LCS), as well as for the quality and accessibility of the output data. It will also investigate the suitability and robustness of existing CAI software and systems for the conduct of LCS, and consider the ways in which the technology should and, perhaps, must develop. Speakers will include: * Joy Dobbs (Head of Social Survey Division, ONS): Keynote Address. Large and complex surveys * Martin Bulmer (Surrey University): Electronic documentation of complex surveys. A pilot study of BLAISE users' experience of documentation of the early rounds of the Family Resources Survey * Tony Dent (CMR): An overview of the conference in the context of CAI since its inception in the 70's with a look to the future * Paul Firmin et al (University of Leeds): Interactive computer-based interviewing using and artificial world for capturing complex real world car parking behaviour * Andy Halliday (MVA Ltd): The Greater London Bus Passenger Survey * Maureen Kelly (ONS): Rapid results from of the LFS * Hugh Neffendorf (Katalysis): A Big Survey can be a HAPI survey * Sven Sjodin (SCPR): The Health Survey for England Costs of the conference will be 75.00 pounds stlg for ASC and affiliated members, and 100.00 pounds stlg for others (which includes one year's membership of the ASC). A booking form and programme can be found on the ASC's web site at: http://www.assurcom.demon.co.uk or will be automatically sent on receipt of an empty e-mail message to: [log in to unmask] Alternatively, contact Diana Elder, Administrator, ASC ([log in to unmask]) PO Box 60, Chesham, Bucks, UK HP5 3QH tel/fax: +44 (0)1494 793 033, who can also assist interested exhibitors. -------------------------------------------------------------------- This message has been sent, on behalf the ASC, by: Randy Banks ([log in to unmask]) tel: +44 (0)1206 873067 Chair, Association for Survey Computing fax: +44 (0)1206 873151 Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) University of Essex Colchester, Essex United Kingdom CO4 3SQ http://www.assurcom.demon.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%