Interviewer-administered surveys

Definition

Interviewer-administered surveys are data collection tools where a trained interviewer asks questions directly to respondents and records their answers. This method allows for clarification of questions, the ability to probe deeper into responses, and generally yields higher response rates compared to self-administered surveys. They are especially effective in gathering qualitative data as interviewers can engage with participants to explore nuances in their answers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interviewer-administered surveys can take various forms, including face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, and online video calls.
2. This method often leads to higher data quality because interviewers can clarify questions and ensure respondents understand what is being asked.
3. Interviewer-administered surveys are particularly useful when dealing with complex topics where respondents may require additional context to answer accurately.
4. The presence of an interviewer can help build rapport and trust with respondents, encouraging them to provide more honest and detailed responses.
5. While they can be resource-intensive, requiring trained personnel and time for data collection, the insights gained from these surveys can be invaluable for qualitative analysis.

Review Questions

• How do interviewer-administered surveys improve the quality of data collected compared to self-administered surveys?
  • Interviewer-administered surveys enhance data quality through direct interaction between the interviewer and respondents. Interviewers can clarify questions if needed, probe for more information, and gauge the respondent's understanding and comfort level. This engagement helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that the information gathered is more accurate and comprehensive than what might be collected through self-administered methods.
• Discuss the potential challenges or drawbacks associated with conducting interviewer-administered surveys.
  • Conducting interviewer-administered surveys comes with several challenges, including the need for trained personnel who can effectively engage with respondents. The process can be time-consuming and expensive due to travel and labor costs. Additionally, there is the risk of interviewer bias where the interviewer's presence might inadvertently influence how respondents answer questions. Ensuring consistency across different interviewers is also crucial for maintaining data integrity.
• Evaluate how the use of technology in conducting interviewer-administered surveys could impact both data collection efficiency and participant experience.
  • The incorporation of technology in interviewer-administered surveys can significantly enhance both efficiency and participant experience. For instance, using digital tools allows for real-time data entry, reducing errors associated with manual recording. Video conferencing tools enable remote interviewing, expanding access to participants who might be geographically dispersed. However, reliance on technology could also introduce technical difficulties that disrupt interviews. Balancing technological integration while ensuring a smooth interaction between interviewers and respondents is key to optimizing survey outcomes.

Related terms

Survey Instrument: A survey instrument is a structured set of questions or tools designed to gather information from respondents, which can include questionnaires or interview guides.

Response Bias: Response bias refers to the tendency of respondents to answer questions inaccurately or dishonestly due to various factors, such as social desirability or misunderstanding the question.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is a systematic investigation that primarily focuses on quantifying relationships, behaviors, and phenomena, often using statistical methods to analyze numerical data.