Mode of Administration.

Existing research suggests that the mode of administration has an effect on the accuracy and the quality of the data gathered, as well as on the cognitive burden placed on the respondent. Respondent cognitive burden is defined as the degree to which a survey respondent perceives participation in a survey research project as difficult, time consuming, or emotionally stressful (Graf 2014). As the figure below shows, the least burdensome method is face-to-face interview. The interviewer may increase response by clarifying wording and keeping the respondent motivated throughout the questionnaire completion. On the other hand, self-administration is considered as the method posing the largest cognitive burden on the respondent as it demands readings, comprehension and basic writing skills. Also, the respondent does not have the opportunity to ask for clarification on a question if needed. Yet it may lead to more accurate responses as the social desirability and “yes-saying” bias are lower compared to the other modes of administration though. Computer-based administration has a similar impact on the metric than paper and pencil.

The VR-36^©, VR-12^© and VR-6D^© can be self-administered, completed by phone or face-to-face. Different modes of administration influence the VR scores, which are currently included in the algorithms (Selim et al 2007, Jones et al 2001). Jones and colleagues explored score differences, response rates and costs resulting from administering the VR-36^© and VR-12^© health surveys by telephone and mail-out. Results suggested that mail-out was more cost-effective than telephone. Telephone administration was 30% more expensive primarily due to the cost of labor. Scores were significantly higher (indicating better health) when the questionnaire was administered over the telephone. These findings highlight the importance of carefully considering the mode of administration when assessing health outcomes within and across large health care systems.