Data Collection Interview

Data Collection Interview: Summary of Main Issues Scheduling & Preparing for the Interview Conducting the Interview Adhering to Reporting Requirements Recording Interview Responses Closing the Interview Computer Assisted Interview

Scheduling the Interview Data Collection Windows Target Interview Dates Make Sure Consent Obtained Confirming Appropriate Respondents Interview Reminders Participant Concerns Duration of the Interview

Scheduling the Interview (cont.) Respect privacy Select a convenient location Conduct interviews for caregiver and youth on the same day if possible NEVER cancel an interview!

Using the 6 Month Timeline Show timeline before beginning the interview Help participant focus on right timeframe Mark dates important to participant during the past 6 months (e.g., holidays, birthdays, celebrations, job and/or school start or end dates, etc.)

Six-month timeline Date Today’s 6 months ago date Date 30 days ago (List birthdays, holidays, other family celebrations, school starting or ending dates, job starting or ending dates, other notable personal events, notable community events, etc.)

A Partial List of Tried and True Techniques Maintain accuracy - conduct the interview exactly as written Remain impartial Listen carefully Be aware of body language Follow the order Always read all parts of the questionnaire (e.g., all instructions, all answer choices) Probe as necessary, limit use of "DK" and "NA" Get clear, appropriate, usable answers especially to open-ended questions

A Partial List of Tried and True Techniques (cont.) Use child's name as indicated Record information carefully, make notes as necessary especially if question reworded Keep interview on track, control timing and flow Motivate respondent to continue Be aware of your reading style

What to do if someone doesn't understand a question What to try first: Repeat the question Help respondent narrow down the choices If this doesn't work, what to say? Use question probes appropriately

Positive reinforcement Provide positive reinforcement for: Participation in interview process Staying on task Work done so far Don't reinforce: Actual answers (be neutral in your reaction) Personal opinions expressed by respondent

Things that may happen during the interview Participants may: Want to tell you more than what the question asks Get upset about a question Want your opinion Empathy for the participant's situation

Interviewing Children: Special considerations Adult and child dynamics (i.e., answers can be influenced by perceived authority, may want to please or shock you by answering a certain way) Restless or bored, can't focus, stops answering, acts out : What to do? Stretch breaks Humor Positive feedback Report progress Ask if there's a problem Provide reassurance (e.g., confidentiality)

Adhering to Mandatory Reporting Interviewers must adhere to confidentiality oaths (but know when to breach confidentiality) How and when to report abuse or neglect What to do when respondent harm to self or others seems likely

Following Interview Instructions Use the notes to the interviewer Follow skip patterns Get additional information when the "Other" answer choice is used Display cards with answer choices Make notes when required (i.e., for open-ended items) No item on any questionnaire should be left blank

Special Codes Use Not Applicable (666) when conditions discussed do not apply (e.g., for items appropriately skipped as per a skip instruction) Use Refused (777) when respondent specifically declines to provide answer Use Don't Know (888) when, after probing, the respondent does not know the answer Use Missing (999) when the interviewer forgets to ask question and is unable to retrieve the information

Recording Responses Make sure every question has an answer Circle numbers Use pen - black ink Write legibly Get details on open-ended questions Note any changes that you have to make (keep to a minimum) Remember: Data entry staff only know what you record.

Closing the Interview Review questionnaire with participant present to make sure all items are answered Obtain contact information Address/telephone tracking Provide information according to site protocols: follow-up, payment, how to contact local evaluation team, etc. Thank the respondent!

After the Interview Follow editing procedures for interview packets With computer-assisted interviewing, there are error messages as you enter or upload responses and it automatically skips questions based on the previous response Re-contact participants for missing data if necessary Turn in interview packet for data entry according to site protocols or upload completed interviews Provide feedback to the field coordinator

Computer Assisted Interview Hard copy of instrument packet for back-up Double check that each instrument was administered Option for printing before sending data to web site