Difference between revisions of "Computer-Assisted Field Entry (CAFE)"

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Computer-Assisted Field Entry is a middle ground between [[Pen-and-Paper Personal Interviews (PAPI)]] and [[Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI)]]. It involves pen-and-paper interviews, with data entry done in the field in real time.  
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Computer-Assisted Field Entry (CAFE) is [[Primary Data Collection|data collection]] method in which [[Enumerator Training|enumerators]] conduct a [[Pen-and-Paper Personal Interviews (PAPI) | pen-and-paper interview]], which is then followed by real-time data entry completed in the field. This page outlines the advantages and disadvantages of CAFE and provides points to consider when deciding whether or not CAFE fits well into your questionnaire [[Questionnaire Programming|programming]] and [[Questionnaire Design | design]] plan.  
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== Read First ==
== Read First ==
Although logistically complex and potentially expensive, when done well CAFE surveys yield reliably high-quality data.
*CAFE combines elements of both [[Pen-and-Paper Personal Interviews (PAPI) | pen and paper interviews]] and [[Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI)]].
 
*Although CAFE [[Survey Pilot|surveys]] may be logistically complex and potentially expensive, when done well, CAFE '''surveys''' yield reliably high-quality data.
 
== Guidelines ==
===Pros of CAFE surveys ===
CAFE surveys may be done in areas where electronic data collection is not possible, for example if enumerators face security risks from carrying tablets in the field, or if electricity is a significant barrier.
 
Advantages compared to CAPI surveys: there is a paper trail to follow and double-data entry can prevent transcription errors.


Advantages compared to PAPI surveys: the data is entered in close-to-real time, allowing for high frequency checks.
== Considerations ==
===Advantages ===
*CAFE [[Survey Pilot|surveys]] can be done in areas where electronic [[Primary Data Collection|data collection]] is not possible (i.e. places where [[Enumerator Training|enumerators]] face security risks from carrying tablets or where electricity is a significant barrier).
*CAFE '''surveys''' leave a paper trail to follow.
*Double-data entry can prevent transcription errors.
*Relative to [[Pen-and-Paper Personal Interviews (PAPI)|PAPI]] '''surveys''', CAFE '''surveys''' allow data to be entered in close-to-real time and thus facilitate [[High Frequency Checks|high frequency checks]].


===Cons of CAFE surveys ===
===Disadvantages ===
CAFE surveys require careful planning and logistics to do well. It is essential that data entry is done in as-close-as-possible to real time, and that there are clear feedback system between the data entry team and the field team. Because they require a mobile data entry team, it is often more expensive than either typical PAPI or CAPI set-ups.  
*CAFE [[Survey Pilot|surveys]] require careful planning and logistics to do well. It is essential that data entry is done in real time as close as possible, and that there are clear feedback systems between the data entry team and the field team.  
 
*Because CAFE requires a mobile data entry team, it is often more expensive than either typical [[Pen-and-Paper Personal Interviews (PAPI)|PAPI]] or [[Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI)|CAPI]] set-ups.  
Disadvantage compared to CAPI surveys: it is not possible to have 'hard constraints' such as restricting the range of values that can be entered for a certain question. More extensive data quality feedback to enumerators is required.  
*Relative to '''CAPI surveys''', CAFE '''surveys''' cannot include hard constraints such as restricting the range of values that can be entered for a certain question. Thus, more extensive data quality feedback to [[Enumerator Training|enumerators]] is required.


== Back to Parent ==
== Back to Parent ==
This article is part of the topic [[Questionnaire Programming]]
This article is part of the topic [[Primary Data Collection]]
 


== Additional Resources ==
== Additional Resources ==




[[Category: Questionnaire Programming ]]
[[Category: Primary Data Collection]]

Latest revision as of 16:23, 8 August 2023

Computer-Assisted Field Entry (CAFE) is data collection method in which enumerators conduct a pen-and-paper interview, which is then followed by real-time data entry completed in the field. This page outlines the advantages and disadvantages of CAFE and provides points to consider when deciding whether or not CAFE fits well into your questionnaire programming and design plan.

Read First

Considerations

Advantages

  • CAFE surveys can be done in areas where electronic data collection is not possible (i.e. places where enumerators face security risks from carrying tablets or where electricity is a significant barrier).
  • CAFE surveys leave a paper trail to follow.
  • Double-data entry can prevent transcription errors.
  • Relative to PAPI surveys, CAFE surveys allow data to be entered in close-to-real time and thus facilitate high frequency checks.

Disadvantages

  • CAFE surveys require careful planning and logistics to do well. It is essential that data entry is done in real time as close as possible, and that there are clear feedback systems between the data entry team and the field team.
  • Because CAFE requires a mobile data entry team, it is often more expensive than either typical PAPI or CAPI set-ups.
  • Relative to CAPI surveys, CAFE surveys cannot include hard constraints such as restricting the range of values that can be entered for a certain question. Thus, more extensive data quality feedback to enumerators is required.

Back to Parent

This article is part of the topic Primary Data Collection

Additional Resources