Data gathering periods and methods
Article 7
1. The main survey instruments for direct data collection from respondents shall be one or more interviews (household and/or individual interviews) and diary(s) on consumption expenditure maintained by households and/or individuals on a daily basis. For irregular consumption expenditure, data can also be collected retrospectively up to a maximum of 12 months before the interview. Smart tools and sources as well as registers or other methods can be used for data collection. 2. Data provided directly by respondents shall be collected by pen-and-paper method, by computer-assisted methods, including computer-assisted personal interviews, computer-assisted telephone interviews, self-completed computer-based interviews, computer-assisted web interviews including on tablets and smartphones, and by native smartphone applications. 3. The timing of the interview shall be as close as possible to the diary recording period.