Improving household finances data with joint interviewing and a balance edit: cognitive testing of a ‘Benefit Unit Finance’ module

Abstract

ISER commissioned Kantar Public to conduct in-depth qualitative interviews with members of the public who completed a questionnaire on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The aim was to improve a set of questions which asked about household finances; income, expenditure, and their ability to balance the two. The first round of testing provided insights into difficulties with the questions, and the way the questionnaire was designed. Improvements were made to the script. In the second round of testing the process was much improved, with respondents having a better understanding of the task. However, further changes are recommended to increase clarity.