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

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