ABSTRACT
Computer-assisted interviewing is a term that is used to describe interviews that take place with the aid of a computer. This research method is used mostly in quantitative approaches, such as survey research, to collect data about thoughts, opinions, attitudes and behaviour. The method is sometimes used for qualitative approaches and in mixed methods research through using semi-structured or unstructured interview techniques, or by using both closed and open-ended questions in questionnaires. Computer-assisted interviewing enables researchers to reach a wide audience, across geographical boundaries and in places that may be hard to access. Software for laptops, mobiles and smartphones enables researchers to conduct interviews in the field where live internet access is available. Computer-assisted interviewing is used in a wide variety of disciplines including marketing and business, sociology, education, politics, health and medicine and geography. Interviewees are asked a set of pre-defined questions using methods such as questionnaires or structured interviews, assisted by computers.
