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Activity Number:
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358
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Type:
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Topic Contributed
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Date/Time:
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Wednesday, August 6, 2003 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
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Sponsor:
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Section on Survey Research Methods
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| Abstract - #300513 |
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Title:
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The Use of Technology to Monitor Field Data Collection Activities
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Author(s):
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Gary M. Shapiro*+ and Wende A. Mix and Dennis Utter and Donna Glassbrenner
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Companies:
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Westat and Westat and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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Address:
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1813 Glendora Dr., District Heights, MD, 20747-1880,
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Keywords:
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field surveys ; PDA ; GPS
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Abstract:
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This paper presents findings and opportunities associated with the implementation of digital technologies in national observational transportation surveys. In the past, the National Occupant Protection Use Survey has used manual counters and paper forms. Westat has designed PDA w/GPS technology to replace the existing method. This paper presents a detailed description of the technology designed to enhance observational surveys as well as some findings on its impact on cost and data quality. Some of the advantages of the technology are: 1) The internal clock and GPS features validate that the observer is in the right place at the right time and on the right day of the week. 2) The timing feature ensures that the observers collect data for the right amount of time. 3) The tracking feature of the GPS allows validation of observer movements, thus providing better information on field costs (mileage and time). 4) The data collection software contains validity checks to prevent and correct out of range or invalid responses. 5) Manual coding and data entry are eliminated so errors associated with these activities are removed.
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