This mode of data collection is where an interviewer or an administrator either gives a form to respondents or sends it to them by post, and respondents are expected to fill it in by themselves. There is usually no-one available to provide help with filling-in the form.
With this mode of collection, it is vital that the form and the questions are clearly designed, easy to read, and easy to follow. Such forms should also not be too long as this will deter respondents.
The form used for the 2001 Census was extensively tested prior to the Census and the layout and format of the ethnic group question should follow this guide as far as possible. Key elements are:
Order of answer categories
Layout - having the list of answer categories in a single column format down the page
Size and style of typeface - using these consistently for headings at the same level
Alignment
Allowing enough space for write-in answers
The example here gives the detail of the questions for data collection relating to England & Wales.
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