"How CWEST works to deliver cleaner, faster data"
In the field
Using cwestionnaires to conduct interviews
Cwestionnaires (your survey migrated to mobile technology with CWEST) are designed for ease of use; CWEST experience has shown that with a very small amount of training in the use of the technology even the most computer-illiterate can easily be transformed into highly qualified CWEST interviewers through minimal training. 
CWEST can do this for you directly or we can train your trainer(s) in advance.
The interviewer can choose the language in which he/she wants to run the cwestionnaire simply by selecting the appropriate language. The interviewer is then guided though collecting your data with automatic skips, validations, on screen guidance and optional randomization of questions. Rosters such as household member or consumption items are stored and then automatically generate the sub-questions for each recorded member/ item of the roster.
Cwestionnaires have various other interesting features not available in traditional survey methods, including:
- Previously recorded responses can be automatically added to drop-down lists to accelerate interviews during the course of the survey.
- Recalling related data to assist in further questioning. For instance reminding interviewers of age responses (even from a previous instrument such as a listing instrument) when asking age related questions.
- A filter tool, for instance to select out answers relating to certain household member’s shocks for review.
- Automated GPS readings
- Time stamps: A huge advantage of cwestionnaires is that each action the interviewer undertakes is electronically registered and time-stamped. Hence, it can easily be verified whether the interviewer performs his/her tasks according to requirements.
The cwestionnaire as a supervision tool
CWEST includes many features to ease the burden of your supervisors, allowing them to concentrate on what’s important and ensure your survey is conducted professionally. These features include:
- Drawing a sample with its accompanying base data and allocate to interviewers: CWEST allows the supervisor to draw a sample from a preloaded population list (e.g. from a previous listing phase or general list of local households/ schools/ hospitals etc.) and assign sampled interviews to the interviewers in his/her team. Any known base data will be automatically populated in the relevant interviewer’s cwestionnaires.
- Data collection and automatic validity checking: While the cwestionnaire contains validity checks that run during the interview, the interviewer may come across unforeseen circumstances leading to incomplete surveys. The supervisor can rapidly re-validate all the data from interviewers and query any anomalies, if valid these can be fed back to base where, at your request, CWEST will build a change into your survey and transmit it back to the field.
- Reporting: The software provides the supervisor with assorted reports to assist them in managing their teams and data. CWEST has a set of standard reports and will also build those required for your particular survey, field conditions and MIS requirements. A typical report allows the supervisor to quickly check ‘other’ responses to questions to see if the interviewers need coaching or whether new options need to be added to the survey (e.g. a previously unknown but common-to-the-area health provider). Other reports allow the supervisor to make informed decisions on the logistics of the fieldwork.
- Data transfer to headquarters: A key feature delivered by CWEST is the ability to transfer data analysis-ready straight from the field. The supervisor can do this as often as you require with data being transparently backed up at every stage (so there is no risk of data loss due to telecommunication failure).
The technology
Cwestionnaires are delivered onto field mobile technology. In practice we find that UMPCs (ultra mobile portable computers) are most efficient as the screen size offers context for the interviewer, aids navigation and the correct intonation and dialogue with the interviewee (‘OK I’m going to ask you 5 questions on ...’). Crucially, having questions logically grouped on the screen size offered by UMPCs allows immediately understandable validation messages as relating contradictory questions are simultaneously visible to the interviewer. Data transmission from the field and updates to the field is typically via mobile phone networks. CWEST will advise you on the handling, telecommunications and charging options suitable for you current and future field conditions.