QUICK FACTS FROM AEP RESEARCH

Study Design, Data Collection and Analysis Methods

Can data in the field be collected on handheld computers vs. paper forms?

In a study of alcohol sales at 47 community events, field staff collected data about the events using both handheld computers (PDAs) and paper forms. Results show that:

• The overall agreement between data from the PDAs vs. the paper forms was 96%.

• PDAs were more accurate for complex questions that had several sections.

• Paper forms were better for questions that required written comments.

For more information order publication number:

11.6.135:
Fletcher LA, Erickson DJ, Toomey TL, Wagenaar AC. Handheld computers - A feasible alternative to paper forms for field data collection. Evaluation Review 2003 Apr; 27(2):1 65-178.