Guidelines for Interviewers

One of the most important procedures for data collection in epidemiologic research Excellent source of quality data Rapport between the interviewers and the interviewee is crucial In a multicenter study like the SHS, it is extremely important that interviewers at different centers are using exactly the same interview method

Structured questionnaires –Most SHS questions are closed, with a set of specific answers Unstructured questionnaires –Some questions are open-ended

Polite Sensitive Gain confidence of participants Non-judgmental and non-evaluative Non-interpretive (not intend to teach or preach) Allow participant to complete sentences Style of the Interviewer

Supportive remarks (to reduce participant stress or anxiety) Probing (to a certain degree) if the answer is not clear Non-directive: “I see”, or repeat what the participant just said. This may prompt them to elaborate, if needed. Style of the Interviewer (cont’)

Errors Minimize interviewer errors Common errors: Asking errors – Altering questions or changing words Probing errors – Failing to probe or inappropriate probing Recording errors Flagrant cheating – not asking a question but recording an answer or recording an answer where there is no answer

Avoid times that the participant feels uncomfortable Time of the Interview Place Minimize distraction…quiet Comfortable Private

Ask questions according to instructions Read the questions exactly as they are worded. Repeat the question if needed. Read each question slowly Use correct intonation and emphasis Ask questions in the order they are in the form Ask every question and follow skip patterns Asking Procedure

Repeat the question Pause – waiting for more information Repeat the answer Neutral questions – “what do you mean exactly?”, “Anything else?”, etc. Interpretation – making sure the participant understands the question Probing

Make sure you hear and understand each response. Make sure the response is adequate. Do not answer for the participant. Begin writing as soon as the participant begins to talk. Use the participant’s own words. If the participant refuses to answer any question, check the box titled “refused” for that particular question. Recording Responses

Recording Responses (Cont’) Write legibly –Print –Use capital letters –Write numbers clearly