Random Order

Random order refers to the randomization of the order in which questions appear in a questionnaire. The purpose is to overcome a type of measurement error known as context effects. This randomization is most often done using a computer program that controls a computer-assisted interview (CAI) being conducted in person, over the phone, or self-administered. Prior to the common use of CAI in survey research, sets of questions were randomized using modified Kish tables that were generated prior to the beginning of the survey and printed on labels indicating to the interviewers what order the questions were to be asked. The order changed randomly for each label to be printed. The labels were pasted next to the question sets in the paper version of the ...