CAWI

Term from Market Research industry explained for recruiters

CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing) is a modern way of conducting surveys and research studies through the internet. It's like an online questionnaire system that helps market research companies collect data from many people at once. Instead of paper surveys or phone calls, CAWI lets researchers create digital surveys that participants can complete on their computers or phones. This method is popular because it's cost-effective, reaches more people, and automatically organizes the answers into useful data. Similar approaches include CATI (telephone interviews) and CAPI (in-person tablet surveys), but CAWI is specifically for web-based research.

Examples in Resumes

Managed CAWI research projects reaching over 10,000 respondents annually

Designed and implemented Computer Assisted Web Interviewing surveys for major retail clients

Led team of 5 researchers in conducting CAWI studies across multiple markets

Typical job title: "Market Research Professionals"

Also try searching for:

Market Research Analyst Survey Programmer Research Project Manager Quantitative Researcher Online Research Specialist Survey Research Manager Market Research Coordinator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you ensure data quality in a large-scale CAWI project?

Expected Answer: A senior researcher should discuss methods like setting up proper screening questions, implementing quality checks, monitoring response patterns, and using attention checks. They should also mention how to handle incomplete responses and validate data.

Q: What strategies would you use to increase survey response rates in CAWI studies?

Expected Answer: Should explain approaches like mobile optimization, incentive structures, reminder systems, survey length optimization, and targeting appropriate audiences through proper panel management.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you design an effective CAWI questionnaire?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating clear questions, logical flow, appropriate question types, mobile-friendly design, and how to avoid common pitfalls like leading questions or complex matrices.

Q: What are the key differences between CAWI and other data collection methods?

Expected Answer: Should compare CAWI with telephone (CATI) and face-to-face (CAPI) interviews, discussing advantages like cost-effectiveness and scale, and challenges like internet access requirements.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic elements should a CAWI survey include?

Expected Answer: Should mention introduction text, consent forms, clear instructions, progress bars, and basic question types like multiple choice, rating scales, and open-ended questions.

Q: How do you handle technical issues reported by survey participants?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic troubleshooting steps, when to escalate issues, and how to document problems for future reference.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic survey programming
  • Question types and survey logic
  • Data cleaning fundamentals
  • Simple reporting and analysis

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced questionnaire design
  • Quality control procedures
  • Project management
  • Complex survey logic programming

Senior (5+ years)

  • Research methodology expertise
  • Strategic project planning
  • Team leadership
  • Advanced data analysis

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic survey design principles
  • Lack of experience with online survey platforms
  • Poor attention to data quality and validation
  • No knowledge of research ethics and participant privacy