1. Data Collection Interview

2. 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

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

4. 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!

5. 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.)

6. 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.)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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!

18. 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

19. 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