Interviews by Telephone and in Person: Quality of Responses and Field Performance

Abstract

A small carefully controlled field experiment tests the effects of alternative interviewing strategies on the quality of responses and on field performance. Measures include ability to answer complex knowledge and attitudinal items, response validity, and willingness and consistency in providing personal information. Field performance is assessed by examining differential length of the interview, number of contacts required, suitable times for interviewing, respondent preferences for interview strategy, and interviewer effects.