Forms created and processed with TeleForm software program allow data to be scanned into a database. In order for the computer to “read” the data, a few basic guidelines must be followed when filling out TeleForm forms.

Use a black Pen
•  Do not use a felt tip pen that bleeds
•  Do not use a pencil
•  Do not use any other color pen

Avoid making any stray marks
•  Do not mark or write in or around the four corners of the page. Specifically, do not mark on the form anchor boxes or on the form ID code box.
•  Do not make any extraneous notes anywhere on the form. Record notes only in designated areas.
•  Do not make any stray marks on the forms.

Fill in the bubbles completely
•  Stay within the lines
•  Do not use an “X” or a “v”

Do not fold, staple, or mutilate the data forms

Letters and numbers
•  Print in capital letters
•  Print only one letter or number per box
•  Keep the letter/number completely inside the box
•  The letter/number should not touch or cross any of the box lines.
•  The Verity Teleform software removes the box lines and may remove part of the character.
•  Do NOT cross 0's, 7's or Z's
•  Avoid “curly-cues” on letters and numbers.
•  Make your letters and numbers as similar as possible to the example in Appendix B.
•  Pay particular attention to the following groups of letters and numbers that are often difficult to distinguish from each other.

• P,D,O
• J,L,C
• U,O

The computer might have difficulty reading a person’s handwriting, even if that person has ‘neat’ handwriting to the human eye.

Filling out “Comments” boxes and “Please specify” fields

If forms contain a large box or lines to write on and give instructions to provide “Comments,” “Describe…,” or to “Specify.” These fields should be filled with the following rules in mind:

• Use only black pen
• Print clearly, no cursive handwriting
• Try to be as concise as possible

Correcting a mistake

See Appendix A for examples.

DO cross out the wrong answer by drawing a line through the mistake.

DO fill in the correct answer in the appropriate bubble.

DO circle the correct answer.

DO initial and date the correct answer.

DO leave questions blank that you cannot or do not want to answer.

DO NOT erase pen.

DO NOT use correction tape/white out (i.e., Liquid Paper)

 

Appendix A

Sample corrections

 

Example 1 : Changing a response to a YES/NO or multiple choice question.

In this example, the participant marked the incorrect marital status category. She is actually divorced but marked married by mistake.

 

Example 2 : Changing a response to a YES/NO or multiple choice question to null. In this example, the participant marked answers to parts a. and b. when she was not supposed to. The answers to these questions should be blank, or null.

 

Example 3 : Changing a response to a fill in the blank question. In this example, the participant wrote in 22 years when she meant to write 24 years.

Appendix B

Optimal letters/numbers for TeleForm software