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Evaluating Tablet Computers as a Survey Tool in Rural Communities
Author(s) -
Newell Steve M.,
Logan Henrietta L.,
Guo Yi,
Marks John G.,
Shepperd James A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.439
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1748-0361
pISSN - 0890-765X
DOI - 10.1111/jrh.12095
Subject(s) - usability , data collection , pencil (optics) , survey data collection , system usability scale , sample (material) , psychology , medical education , medicine , computer science , web usability , statistics , mathematics , engineering , mechanical engineering , human–computer interaction , chemistry , chromatography
Purpose Although tablet computers offer advantages in data collection over traditional paper‐and‐pencil methods, little research has examined whether the 2 formats yield similar responses, especially with underserved populations. We compared the 2 survey formats and tested whether participants’ responses to common health questionnaires or perceptions of usability differed by survey format. We also tested whether we could replicate established paper‐and‐pencil findings via tablet computer. Methods We recruited a sample of low‐income community members living in the rural southern United States. Participants were 170 residents (black = 49%; white = 36%; other races and missing data = 15%) drawn from 2 counties meeting Florida's state statutory definition of rural with 100 persons or fewer per square mile. We randomly assigned participants to complete scales (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Inventory and Regulatory Focus Questionnaire) along with survey format usability ratings via paper‐and‐pencil or tablet computer. All participants rated a series of previously validated posters using a tablet computer. Finally, participants completed comparisons of the survey formats and reported survey format preferences. Findings Participants preferred using the tablet computer and showed no significant differences between formats in mean responses, scale reliabilities, or in participants’ usability ratings. Conclusions Overall, participants reported similar scales responses and usability ratings between formats. However, participants reported both preferring and enjoying responding via tablet computer more. Collectively, these findings are among the first data to show that tablet computers represent a suitable substitute among an underrepresented rural sample for paper‐and‐pencil methodology in survey research.