Data Collection Modules and Products

QDS supports multiple methods of data collection and produces multiple documentation products. The data collection modules use QDS Control Files to administer your questionnaire based on the specifications entered into the Design Studio. Documentation is also produced from the Design Studio module.

Data Collection Modules

  • Data Entry Module: Key and verify data from a paper form
  • CAPI Module: Interviewer-administered data collection Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews
  • ACASI Module: Self-Administered data collection Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviews (with or without audio)
  • Web Module: Surveys or interviews over the internet in a browser. Requires an active internet connection

The Data Collection modules create data files in a binary file format that may be converted to a flat ASCII (text) file using the Questionnaire Data to ASCII conversion utility (QDA.EXE) or exported to SAS, SPSS, Stata, or MS Access using the Warehouse Manager.

Documentation Products

QDS allows you to generate several types of documentation products from the same set of Design Studio file specifications, including:

  • Printable Questionnaire: Builds a Rich Text Format (RTF) file for a paper form/survey that will be completed by an interviewer/data collection clerk or a paper form/survey that will be self-administered.
  • Codebook: Builds an RTF or Comma Delimited (CSV) file containing Data, Information, Skip, Edit, and Section Header elements, as well as question numbers, variable names, variable labels, code ranges, and item length for each item in your Specifications File; the RTF file is optionally color-coded by element type
  • Change History: Builds an RTF file that lists all changes made to the QDS Specifications File and any entered annotations

Tip: Individuals administering the survey, collecting data, or performing data entry need access only to the Control File and the corresponding data collection module. They do not need to have access to the Design Studio or Design Specifications File.