Distinguished Scientist Jennifer Dykema is a co-editor of the recently published “Interviewer Effects from a Total Survey Error Perspective.” Written for managers of survey interviewers, survey methodologists, and students interested in the survey data collection process, the book uses the Total Survey Error framework to examine optimal approaches to survey interviewing, presenting state-of-the-art methodological research on all stages of the survey process involving interviewers. Three of the chapters on survey interviewing include contributions by UWSC staff (listed in bold):
- Chapter 1, “The Past, Present, and Future of Research on Interviewer Effects,” With Kristen Olson, Jolene D. Smyth, Jennifer Dykema, Allyson L. Holbrook, Frauke Kreuter, Brady T. West
- Chapter 2, “General Interviewing Techniques: Developing Evidence-based Practices for Standardized Interviewing,” With Nora Cate Schaeffer, Jennifer Dykema, Steve M. Coombs, Rob K. Schultz, Lisa Holland, Margaret L. Hudson
- Chapter 18, “Response Times as an Indicator of Data Quality: Associations with Question, Interviewer, and Respondent Characteristics in a Health Survey of Diverse Respondents,” With Dana Garbarski, Jennifer Dykema, Nora Cate Schaeffer, Dorothy Farrar Edwards
In 2019, survey methodologists, survey practitioners, and survey operations specialists participated in an international workshop at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to identify best practices for surveys employing interviewers and outline an agenda for future methodological research. Interviewers play an essential role in the collection of the high-quality survey data used to learn about our society and improve the human condition. Although many surveys are conducted using self-administered modes, interviewer-administered modes continue to be optimal for surveys that require high levels of participation, include difficult-to-survey populations, and collect biophysical data. Survey interviewing is complex, multifaceted, and challenging. Interviewers are responsible for locating sampled units, contacting sampled individuals and convincing them to cooperate, asking questions on a variety of topics, collecting other kinds of data, and providing data about respondents and the interview environment. Careful attention to the methodology that underlies survey interviewing is essential for interviewer-administered data collections to succeed. The book features 23 chapters on survey interviewing by these worldwide leaders in the theory and practice of survey interviewing.