Interviews

The Role of the Interviewer l Locate and enlist cooperation of respondents. l Motivate respondents to do good job. l Clarify any confusion/concerns. l Observe quality of responses. l Conduct a good interview.

Training the Interviewers Ô Describe the entire study. Ô State who is sponsor of research. Ô Teach enough about survey research (should respect method and be motivated). Ô Explain the sampling logic and process. Ô Explain interviewer bias. Ô “Walk through” interview.

Training the Interviewers Ô Explain selection procedures, including –Reading maps –Identifying households –Identify respondents Ô Rehearse interview Ô Explain supervision Ô Explain scheduling

The Interviewer’s Kit l Official-looking 3-ring notebook l Maps l Sufficient copies of survey l Official identification l A cover letter l A phone number to call

The Interview â Opening remarks â Asking the questions â Obtaining adequate answers â Recording the response â Concluding the interview

Opening Remarks l Gaining entry -- appearance, confidence, non-threatening l Doorstep technique -- brief, suggest don’t ask l Introduction -- name, organization, credentials l Explaining the study -- general, stress confidentiality

Asking the Questions l Use questionnaire carefully, but informally. l Ask questions exactly as written l Follow the order given. l Ask every question. l Don’t finish sentences. l Don’t leave any questions blank.

Obtaining Adequate Responses - The Probe l Silent probe - a pause l Overt encouragement l Elaboration –How do you mean? Anything else? l Ask for clarification l Repetition

Recording the Response l Record responses immediately l Include all probes (write them in) l Use abbreviations where possible (for example, R=respondent; DK=don’t know)

Concluding the Interview l Thank respondent. l Don’t be brusque or hasty. l Immediately after leaving -- write down any notes about how the interview went.