Table 3 Classification of answer correction type and possible explanations
From: Paradata analyses to inform population-based survey capture of pregnancy outcomes: EN-INDEPTH study
Answer correction pattern (from first to final answer entry) | Multiple (> 1) corrections | First and last entry match | Correction type | Problematic | Possible explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aa | NO | YES | No correction | NO | n/a |
A > A > A | YES | YES | Impulsive | NO | Multiple tapping (e.g., due to tablet’s lag response) |
A > Bb | NO | NO | Flat (simple) correction | NO | Accidental mistake, correction, following clarification or mistake |
A > nc > A | YES | YES | Zigzag correction | YES | Corrections after multiple additional clarifications and confirmation (e.g., change in responses) and changed back to the original answer |
A > n > B | YES | NO | Flat zigzag correction | YES | Correction, following clarifications |
A > … | NO | NO | Missing after correction | YES | Accidental mistake corrected after clarification, request to skip or not to record the answer |
A > B > … or A > n > B > … or A > n > A > … | YES | NO | Missing after flat (zigzag) correction | YES | Clarification and consequent refusal to answer or request to skip or not to record the answer |
… | NO | YES | Missing/incomplete | YES | Unknown |