S. Kef

Computer-assisted self-interviewing tailored for special populations and topics

Self-administered questionnaires have many advantages, especially when sensitive questions are asked. However, self-administered paper questionnaires have a serious drawback: Only relatively simple questionnaires can be used. Computer-assisted self-interviewing (CASI) can overcome these problems. CASI can be part of a personal interview in which the interviewer hands the computer over to the respondent for specific questions. It also can be a computerized version of the disk-by-mail survey. The authors have used both forms with very special populations (primary school children, visually impaired young adults, and parents and children from multiproblem families, in which professional guidance for the family was sought). This article introduces CASI and reviews its advantages and disadvantages, giving special attention to data quality.

Social networks of visually impaired and blind adolescents. Structure and effect on well-being

Abstract In this article, we examine the social networks of visually impaired and blind adolescents. Data were collected about the size and structure of their network, their subjective evaluation of the network, happiness, loneliness, and a number of individual characteristics. These results are compared with the results of comparable studies on non-handicapped adolescents. Multilevel analysis was used to describe structural and functional aspects of the personal networks. In addition, a structural equation model was used to examine if individual characteristics, including sociodemographic and vision-related characteristics, predict the aspects of the network, and if individual and network characteristics predict well-being. Well-being depends more on network aspects than on individual characteristics.