7. PREPARING TO INTERVIEW

7.1 Introduction

With every scientific survey, there are many necessary components that contribute to the overall success of the research. This is especially true for an enormous survey such as the NHSDA. As a professional field interviewer for this study, you are responsible for one of the most important aspects of the study: making sure the interview is administered properly according to acceptable survey procedures. This Chapter discusses the steps required to prepare for an interview and offers suggestions for dealing with some respondent situations you may encounter. Instructions about the NHSDA interview are provided in Chapter 8, while instructions for administering the CAI questionnaire and using the CAI Manager are outlined in Chapter 5 of the FI Computer Manual.

7.2 Your Role as a Professional Field Interviewer

Always keep in mind that you are a professional doing a very important job. As a professional, you are expected to possess a great deal of knowledge about the survey you are conducting—its purpose, the type of sample, the interview process, etc. You must be knowledgeable about what you are doing and why it is being done, and you must be prepared to answer any questions a respondent might have.

As a professional Field Interviewer (FI), you must always maintain the highest of ethical standards, collecting data with complete objectivity and treating with the utmost confidentiality and respect all information gathered or observed during an interview. You must convey to every respondent that you are a professional Field Interviewer, that you are completing the interview in a completely confidential manner, and that you are not affected by any personal biases, opinions or prejudices.

Following the questionnaire administration procedures and ethical standards is absolutely critical. Any FI found to have violated these procedures may be terminated immediately. We are asking you to maintain high response rates AND to follow all procedures exactly. We know that sometimes those two goals might not be easy to achieve together—you may even lose a case if a respondent refuses to complete the interview "by the rules." The important point is to make every effort to obtain all interviews according to specified procedures.

7.3 Case Assignment

All respondents to be interviewed are identified in the screening process using the Newton handheld computer. When you screen a household, the Newton instructs you to conduct one, two or no interviews at that household. You may also have other cases transferred to you for completion that were screened by a different field interviewer. Your Field Supervisor (FS) will keep you informed of such situations.

At the Respondent Selection screen, the Newton tells you what kind of interview you should administer to the selected respondent(s). For each interview, the Newton lists the respondent selected, the roster number, the Mode (either "NHSDA Interview" or "Validity Study"), and demographic information from the roster. The Newton also assigns a QuestID automatically that is displayed on the screen below the mode. (Recall that only certain FIs will conduct Validity Study Interviews.)

Whenever possible, proceed with the interview immediately after you finish the screening. The best way to achieve high response rates and be efficient is always to try to complete the interview when you are already at the SDU and have identified the respondent(s) to be interviewed. If one or both respondents are present and willing to participate, begin the interviews. Remember that if two respondents in the same household are selected to complete interviews, never complete both interviews simultaneously. Try to schedule these back-to-back instead.

If you cannot conduct an interview at the time of screening, try to schedule an appointment while you are at the DU. If the respondent offers you his/her phone number to set an appointment, accept the number, recording it in the Newton ROC for the case. However, do NOT specifically ask for a phone number as this may raise concerns about confidentiality. A respondent freely offering a telephone number is acceptable, but an FI requesting a number is not. Also, for your personal security, do not give your phone number to the respondent. Record the appointment information for the appropriate respondent, either Interview A or Interview B, in the Record of Calls on the Newton on the Interview Call Record screen.

For example, you may complete a screening and one person is selected but is not at home. Once you finish the screening and enter the ROC information for the 31, add an event for the interview's Record of Calls—52 (R unavailable) in this example—for the A case. The Newton automatically enters the date and time of the event. Complete this step at the SDU after screening.

The first interview contact you enter in the Record of Calls is the interview result for that respondent from the screening visit.

7.3.1 Assigning Interview Result Codes

You are responsible for assigning interview result codes, recording them in the Newton Record of Calls, and discussing them with your FS throughout the data collection period. Like screening codes, interview result codes are either "pending"or "final." Assigning the proper code is critical because result codes are used in progress reports to evaluate the status of fieldwork. RTI managers then use these reports to make important decisions about how best to manage the project. It is very important that you understand when and why to use each kind of code.

If you have a final screening code of 31 (one selected for interview) or 32 (two selected for interview), assigning interview result codes follows the same process as assigning screening result codes (see Chapter 6). Always remember to enter the appropriate pending or final code for every screening that results in a code 31 or 32. The following summarizes how to enter interview result codes:

One Selected for Interview (Screening Code 31)

• The Newton prompts you to remember to enter a call record for interview A and takes you to the Record of Calls screen.
  
  
• Tap Add to go to the Interview Call Record screen, tap Result Code, then choose the appropriate result code from the list, entering comments as needed.
  
  

Two Selected for Interview (Screening Code 32)

• The Newton prompts you to enter call records for interviews A and B and takes you to the Record of Callsscreen.
  
  
• Go to the Interview Call Record screen, choose interview A or B, and choose the appropriate result code.
  
  

  If you forget who was selected for interview A or B or need to enter data at a later date or time:

  • From the Record of Calls screen, tap the Sels button on your Newton. This will take you to the Respondent Selection screen where roster information for interviews A and B is displayed. This should give you enough information to identify and add a call record for the correct respondent.

OR

• From the Select Case screen, tap the case you need to view, then tap Actions, View Selections/Roster. This will take you to the Respondent Selection screen, as just described.
  
  

7.3.2 Interview Result Codes

Both pending and final interview result codes are described in this section.

PENDING INTERVIEW CODES

Pending codes are assigned when the case is not yet complete. Explanations of when to use a particular code, and what action to take to resolve the situation so that the case can be completed, are as follows:

50      APPOINTMENT FOR INTERVIEW

USE WHEN: You have spoken with the respondent and have set a time to conduct the interview.

ACTION:

• Note the appointment in the Newton ROC and in your personal calendar. Complete an appointment card to leave at the household.
  
  

51      NO ONE AT DU

USE WHEN: No one is at the DU.

ACTION:

• Plan another call or visit at a different time of day or another day of the week.
  
  
• Try contacting the unit on the same day of the week or same time of day when the screening was completed.
  
  
• Ask a neighbor when would be a good time to catch someone at home. Record any information in the ROC.
  
  

52      RESPONDENT UNAVAILABLE, CALL BACK

USE WHEN: Someone is at the SDU but not the selected interview respondent.

ACTION:

• Try to determine a good time to find the respondent at home. Ask the household member, and record anyinformation in the Comments in the ROC about possible times to contact the respondent.
  
  
• Plan another visit at a different time of day or another day of the week.
  
  

53      BREAKOFF (PARTIAL INTERVIEW)

USE WHEN: You have started the interview and the respondent you are interviewing either refuses to allow you to complete the interviewing process or cannot complete the interview at that time.

ACTION:

• If the breakoff is friendly, schedule a time convenient for the respondent to complete the interview. Record the information about the appointment in the ROC.
  
  
• If the breakoff is not friendly, tactfully try to persuade the respondent to continue. For helpful ideas, see Chapter 5 about overcoming refusals and obtaining participation. Section 7.5 discusses how to respond to questions about the interview.
  
  
• DON'T antagonize the respondent. Leave the door open for you or someone else to attempt to convert the refusal and complete the case. This decision is made by your FS.
  
  
• Make notes in the ROC comments while the incident is still fresh in your mind. By recording what happened, you'll be greatly helping your FS to decide how to handle the case and also helping any other FI who may be assigned to complete the case.
  
  

54      PHYSICALLY/MENTALLY INCOMPETENT

USE WHEN: The respondent is unable to meaningfully answer the questions. Examples are respondents with pronounced mental retardation, autism, or who are intoxicated. Also, physical problems due to serious illness, deafness, or severe speech disorders may qualify.

ACTION:

• Try to determine if the incompetence is temporary (as in illness or intoxication). If so, return at a more convenient time.
  
  
• If the incompetence is not temporary, discuss the situation with your FS. Always attempt the interview unless it is absolutely clear that the respondent cannot be interviewed. Describe the situation fully in the ROC.

55      LANGUAGE BARRIER - SPANISH

USE WHEN: The respondent speaks Spanish and does not speak English well enough to complete the interview.

ACTION:

• Talk with your FS about transferring the case to a bilingual FI. Unlike screening, there can be NO translators for an interview.
  
  

56      LANGUAGE BARRIER - OTHER

USE WHEN: The respondent speaks a language other than English or Spanish and does not speak English well enough to complete the interview.

ACTION:

• Talk with your FS. Unlike screening, there can be NO translators used for the interview.
  
  

57      REFUSAL (BY RESPONDENT)

USE WHEN: The respondent refuses to let you start the interviewing process. This code is for adult respondents and for youth respondents who refuse to complete the interview. If a parent refuses to give permission for a youth to be interviewed, use code 58 Parental Refusal, whether or not the youth is willing to be interviewed.

ACTION:

• Tactfully try to persuade the respondent to participate. See Chapter 5 for information about overcoming refusals and obtaining participation. Section 7.5 also discusses answering questions about the interviewing part of the survey.
  
  
• DON'T antagonize the respondent. Leave the door open for you or someone else to attempt to convert the refusal and complete the case. Your FS makes this decision.
  
  
• Make notes in the Newton Refusal Report while the incident is still fresh in your mind. By recording whathappened, you'll help your FS decide how to handle the case and also help any other FI assigned to complete the case.
  
  

58      PARENTAL REFUSAL FOR 12-17 YEAR-OLD

USE WHEN: The parent refuses to allow you to interview the selected youth.

ACTION:

• Tactfully try to persuade the parent to let you talk with the youth. Section 7.5.1 discusses dealing with parental concerns. DON'T antagonize the parent.
  
  
• Make any necessary notes in the Newton Refusal Report and discuss this with your FS. A special refusal letter may be sent to the parent.
  
  

59      OTHER

USE WHEN: The situation you encounter does not fit into any of the categories above.

ACTION:

• Describe the situation in the ROC Comments section, and discuss with your FS how to handle the case.
  
  

FINAL INTERVIEWING CODES

Final interview result codes indicate the case is finished—either because the interview was successfully completed OR because you were unable to obtain an interview. For noninterviews, be sure you have completed all suggested, relevant steps described in the pending codes section before asking your FS for approval to assign a final code. Consult with your FS for any additional strategies. If all of these attempts fail, your FS must agree that the case is complete and must approve your use of a final noninterview code.

The following list describes the final codes:

70      INTERVIEW COMPLETED

The respondent has completed the interview.

71      NO ONE AT HOME AFTER REPEATED VISITS

Given the importance of each and every interview, we expect diligence in pursuing selected household members. However, if your repeated attempts at different times of the day and days of the week fail and your FS agrees, then use this code.

72      RESPONDENT UNAVAILABLE

We hope that with persistence this code will be used rarely. However, there may be situations in which the respondent is out of the country or institutionalized (hospital, etc.) and will not be returning before the end of the data collection quarter. For respondents who move and cannot be contacted at the new address, use code 79, not 72. After you have investigated the situation fully, your FS must approve your use of this code.

73      BREAKOFF - PARTIAL INTERVIEW

Use this code if all attempts to complete the interview have been unsuccessful and your FS approves.

74      PHYSICALLY/MENTALLY INCOMPETENT

If the respondent is physically or mentally unable to respond meaningfully to the interview questions, your FS will approve the use of this code.

75      LANGUAGE BARRIER - SPANISH

Use this code if the case cannot be completed because of a Spanish language barrier and no bilingual interviewer was available to complete the case. Your FS must give approval.

76      LANGUAGE BARRIER - OTHER

Use this code for any interviews that cannot be completed due to a language barrier other than Spanish. We do not certify interviewers to conduct the interview in other languages. Be sure to specify the language in the ROC comments. Your FS must give approval.

77      FINAL REFUSAL BY RESPONDENT

If all attempts to convert an adult or youth refusal are unsuccessful, your FS will approve the use of this code. Be sure you indicate the reason for the refusal in the Newton Refusal Report.

78      PARENTAL REFUSAL FOR 12-17 YEAR OLD

If all attempts to persuade the parent or guardian to allow you to interview the youth are unsuccessful, your FS will approve the use of this code. Be sure to complete the Newton Refusal Report.

79      OTHER

Use this code only for cases that do not fit any of the other categories such as if the selected respondent is found to be under age 12 or in the military. Also use this code for respondents who move and cannot be contacted at the new address. Be sure to fully describe the situation in the Comments section of the ROC and talk with your FS for approval to assign this code. Carefully consider if another result code applies, since each case with a code 79 must be reviewed by RTI staff.

7.3.3 Method of Contact

As was described in Section 4.4.2 for screening contacts, record the method of contact for each interviewing ROC record you enter. The definitions of the various modes of contact are provided in Section 4.4.2 and listed in the Showcard Booklet for easy reference.

There are two differences between the screening and interviewing lists:

• For interviewing, the option "Telephone (pre-authorized by NFD)" has been removed from the list since telephone interviewing is NEVER an option for the NHSDA. As explained earlier in Section 7.3, a respondent may offer you a telephone number to confirm an appointment time. If you subsequently contact the respondent by telephone, select the 'Other' option as the mode of contact and document the situation in the Comments. (Remember not to ask a respondent for a telephone number.)

• The last option reflects the interviewing phase of the study and states "No contact with R this visit." We are documenting the initial mode of contact with the selected interview respondent.

7.4 Contacting the Selected Respondent(s)

Chapter 4 discussed the process for contacting a sample dwelling unit for screening. The techniques for contacting interview respondents are similar, except that selected interview respondents usually are familiar with the reason for your visit. Other strategies and tools for contacting selected respondents are outlined here. Review the list of CAI interviewing materials in Appendix A before leaving your home and make sure you have all necessary paperwork and equipment.

7.4.1 Initial Contacts

As mentioned before, you should always attempt to complete the interview at the time of screening. If necessary, ask the screening respondent to locate the selected respondent for you.

If you must revisit the SDU to contact the selected interview respondent, go to the Newton Record of Calls screen to view all the previous visit information. To see who the selected person is for the SDU you are contacting, tap on Sels (for selections) to review the roster information for your selected household member. This screen also gives you the Questionnaire ID (QuestID) to enter into your Gateway computer before the actual interview begins (see Chapter 5 of the Computer Manual).

If you also want to see the completed roster for the household, simply tap View HH Roster. Use this information to identify which person to speak with at the unit. You can also view the respondent selection(s) and household roster information from the Select Casescreen. Tap the line for the case you need to review. Tap Actions, then tap View Selections/Roster.

Approach the selected respondent using an introduction similar to the one used for screening. Keep it simple and straightforward. It may help to mention which member of the household was the screening respondent, since this person may have discussed the situation with the selected person. If you need to review who the screening respondent was, the household roster displays which of the roster members was the SR.

7.5 Obtaining Interview Participation

Convincing persons who are selected for the interview to participate in the study is an important part of your job as an FI. The selected respondent may not have been the screening respondent and may be unfamiliar with the study. Persons who were the SR are aware of the importance of the study, but keep in mind that respondents who willingly completed a 5-minute screening may need additional convincing to complete a more lengthy interview.

Be sure you are thoroughly familiar with the background information on the study (see Chapter 1) and are comfortable answering questions about it (see Chapter 5). Specific questions relating to the interview and suggested responses are given in Exhibit 7.1. Be comfortable with these topics as well. Remember that the specially designed refusal conversion letters in Appendix C are available to help convert reluctant respondents. See Section 5.4 for more information about refusal letters.

Exhibit 7.1 Answering Questions About the Interview

Often, someone is apprehensive about participating in a "survey." In some instances, their cooperation in the past has resulted in subjection to disguised sales promotions. Using the words "study," "research," or "interview" can be helpful. Assure the respondent that you are not selling anything. Show the respondent the NHSDA Highlights and Preliminary Results to explain how the data are used.

In many cases, you will find that the computerized nature of the study will be a positive factor in convincing many respondents to participate. If your interview respondent was also the screening respondent, he/she already observed you conducting the selection process with the Newton handheld computer. This alone may create interest in completing the interview on the Gateway. Young people in particular are often interested in and familiar with the technology. The privacy afforded by completing more sensitive questions using the computer has been shown to be particularly important in getting honest answers from youth respondents.

For individuals who seem intimidated by the technology, such as some elderly respondents, try to begin the interview by suggesting that they try the initial questions to see how easy it will be to complete the interview. Field staff report that some respondents who were initially hesitant became more confident as the interview progressed and were practically sold on computers by the end! Assure a potential respondent of how simple it will be to complete the interview and that you will be present to help with any problems that might arise.

Sometimes you may encounter a reluctant respondent whom you suspect is making an appointment for the interview at a later date with no intention of keeping the appointment (an "unstated refusal"). If you believe this may be the case, suggest that the respondent just try a few questions now to see how it goes. Once into the interview, most respondents will complete it.

7.5.1 Dealing with Minors

In addition to surveying adults, the NHSDA surveys young people ages 12-17. Completing an interview with a minor requires the consent of both the youth and his/her parent or guardian. The only exception to this rule is in the case of emancipated minors living on their own, including college students not living at home. In these cases only, you may conduct an interview without an adult's permission.

Sometimes when screening, you may encounter respondents who are reluctant to provide information about young people in the household. Be sure to emphasize that the screening questions are important and ask to list the residents age 12 and older living in the household. Point out that a youth residing in the unit may or may not be selected to participate in the interview portion of the study.

If a young person is selected for an interview, the parents/guardians may be hesitant to give consent for a "stranger" to ask the young person questions. Allow the parent to review the informational materials, including the Authorization Letter. Since this is a computer interview we don't have a paper questionnaire, but you can offer to show the parent the summary of the NHSDA questionnaire (see Exhibit 7.2)included with the Job Aids in the Showcard Booklet. If desired, you have copies of this summary to give to respondents to keep as well. Also, suggest looking at the NHSDA Website (http://nhsdaweb.rti.org) for more information. If necessary, the parent may call your FS or RS for additional confirmation of your status as a professional Field Interviewer for RTI.

Examples of some responses you may provide to parents include:

• "The subject matter being covered is discussed in most classrooms today."
  
  
• "There are other topics included besides drugs. Knowing the opinions and experiences of your child is important as well."
  
  
• "As you know, all children are not on drugs. But when those who do not use drugs are under-represented, it appears as if most American kids are involved with drugs."
  
  
• "It is apparent that you have taught your child to make wise choices. Through your child's involvement, the efforts of parents like you who have taken the time and effort to provide your child with guidelines for living will not go unnoticed."
  
  

Although it may seem like a difficult process to obtain consent from both the parent and the youth and to find a time to complete the interview, the vast majority of adolescents complete the NHSDA survey.

Suggestions for converting youth refusals are included in Exhibit 7.3.

Exhibit 7.4 Certificate of Participation

7.6 Informed Consent Procedures

Even after a respondent has initially agreed to the interview, you must follow the informed consent procedures. The respondents' Right to Informed Consent is a critical part of any legitimate survey. This means each person must receive all the information necessary to make a completely informed and knowledgeable decision about participating. Even if someone immediately agrees to be interviewed, you are still required to review the basics before you begin the interview.

A potential respondent must be informed of:

• the purposes of the study
  
  
• the procedures that will be followed
  
  
• the approximate length of the interview
  
  
• the fact that consent may be withdrawn and participation discontinued at any time (i.e., that participation is voluntary)
  
  
• sources from which additional information about the study can be obtained. Examples include the Q&A Brochure, Study Description, and the NHSDA Respondent Website.
  
  

This information must be made available to each respondent. Based on years of experience collecting NHSDA data with no reported incidents, the usual requirement of informing a potential respondent about any known risks is not necessary. (Refer to Section 4.10 for more information.) As explained in the next sections, the complexity and amount of information presented for informed consent varies depending on whether your respondent is an adult or youth.

7.6.1 Adult Informed Consent

The information you present to a selected adult respondent (age 18 and older) during the informed consent process is found in the front of the CAI Showcard Booklet (see Exhibit 7.5). The Introduction for CAI Sample Members 18 or older is read to adult respondents and explains what is required during the interview. Give the respondent a copy of the Study Description to keep. Be sure the respondent appears to understand the contents before you continue.

Exhibit 7.5 Introduction 18 or Older

7.6.2 Parent/Guardian Consent to Approach Youth

Because we will be interviewing minors aged 12-17, we must first obtain parental permission to interview the youth. Before approaching the youth, first introduce yourself and the study to the youth's parent or guardian using the information on the back of the Introduction for CAI Sample Members 18 or older in the Showcard Booklet.

The only exception to obtaining parental permission is in the case of emancipated minors who are on their own, such as college students. In these cases, proceed with adult Informed Consent procedures.

7.6.3 Youth Informed Consent

Once the parent agrees, we ask for the youth's agreement to participate. Read the information from the Introduction for CAI Sample Members 12-17 years old, which is in the Showcard Booklet (see Exhibit 7.6). Give the respondent a copy of the Study Description to keep. Observe the youth's reaction carefully. Getting the youth to participate is not typically a problem. However, keep in mind that a youth's failure to object does not mean he or she understands the consent process, and should not be taken that way. Use your judgment. Do NOT begin an interview with a youth until you are satisfied that he/she understands what you are asking and is willing to proceed.

Exhibit 7.6 Introduction 12 - 17

If the youth seems to have trouble understanding, determine if the problem is temporary. If he/she is drunk or high, end the visit and return at another time. If necessary, involve the parent in the decision about whether or not to proceed.

7.7 Getting Started

Being comfortable with the logistics of setting up the computer and starting the interview makes it much easier for you to focus on establishing rapport with respondents, gaining their cooperation, and answering any questions they may have. Practicing this beforehand improves your chances of doing this correctly during an actual interview.

7.7.1 Choosing a Location
Once you have obtained consent for the interview, ask the respondent where would be the best place to conduct the interview. Consider the following issues when choosing the best location:

• Privacy - Make sure you are providing a reasonably private location for the respondent. You should also find a location where you and the respondent can sit apart so the screen is not visible to you or another household member during the ACASI portion of the interview (see Section 7.7.2 for more details).
  
  
• Ethics - Do not interview a youth if an adult is not present in the home unless the parent has provided express permission. Never conduct an interview in a separate bedroom.
  
  
• Temperature - High temperatures can mean the laptop feels hot on a respondent's lap and sweaty hands are more likely to slip on the keyboard. This is not insurmountable but should be a consideration if there is an option for a cooler location. Also, use of sturdy tables is recommended.
  
  
• Battery power - Conduct the interview by plugging the power cord to an outlet whenever possible, using the extension cord if necessary. However, also make sure you have a fullycharged battery in case you cannot connect to an outlet. For example, you might interview in a location, such as a front porch, where you cannot plug into an electrical outlet so you must rely on the battery. It is a good idea to recharge your battery by plugging it into a wall outlet each night before going out into the field. Remember the battery will last about two to three hours before needing to be recharged. See Chapter 4 of the Computer Manual for more information.
  
  
• Safety - Choose a location where both you and the respondent feel reasonably safe. For example, avoid conducting the interview outside in a neighborhood where you feel theft or gang violence is likely.
  
  

Given these constraints, try to be as flexible as possible without compromising the standards and rules for administering the interview. For example, if someone cannot meet you in their home because of their schedule or concerns about privacy, try to find a mutually convenient place such as the place of work (if allowed). Because the computer can run on battery power, it is also possible to conduct the interview outdoors if necessary, such as on a porch, the front steps, or sitting on the curb. The respondent can then rest the computer in his/her lap. Whatever location you agree upon, make sure there is the necessary privacy and convenience for the respondent to complete the survey honestly.

Obviously, the NHSDA is a personal visit survey. While you may in unusual circumstances ask your FS/RS/RD for prior approval to conduct a household screening using the telephone, the CAI interview must always be completed in person.

7.7.2 Privacy

For several important reasons, the NHSDA interview should be conducted in private:

• Many of the questions are personal and sensitive. An adult or youth may feel very uncomfortable responding when other family members are present. Maintaining the confidentiality of the data is crucial if the respondent is to provide honest responses, thus ensuring valid data.
  
  
• Privacy helps minimize the number of distractions, allowing the respondent to focus on the task at hand.
  
  
• Respondents may tell you what they think you want to hear, instead of providing the real answer.
  
  

Due to cultural differences, the perception of privacy varies among ethnic and racial groups. For some, privacy may not be viewed as achievable or even desirable given the number of people living in the residence. Experiences often are openly shared with family members. The presence of an infant or very small child usually is not a problem. Encourage those with very young children to schedule the interview for a time when someone can assist with the children if possible.

In some instances a household member, such as a parent, may insist on being present during the interview. A parent should be present in the house during a teen interview unless they have given explicit permission to conduct the interview when they are not at home. However, a parent should not be in the same room and able to view or hear any of the questions or answers. If the parent wishes to be present in the room during the administration of the survey, explain that the youth must be able to listen and answer all questions in privacy. Explain to the parent that respondents are generally more honest-thus providing higher quality data-when allowed to answer the questions privately. It is important that the youth be comfortable enough with the situation to answer questions honestly. The presence of a parent may seriously compromise the data we receive. Well-meaning persons may try to clarify or explain a situation the youth has described or coach the youth on answers. Inform the parent that the study is very interested in the answers of the youth and would like him/her to answer without any outside influence.

If the parent still insists on being present, go on with the interview but make sure the parent cannot hear or view the questions or answers. If this is not possible and there is no privacy, politely stop the interview and reschedule for another time. Document either situation in the Newton ROC and FI Observation questions at the end of the interview.

In general, if privacy is disrupted briefly by someone walking past the room during the CAPI portion, stop reading questions until the person is gone and a private setting is reestablished. If household members are present or interrupt often during the CAPI portion, one way to achieve greater privacy is to position the respondent next to you so he/she can read the questions and response categories on the computer screen and then say the number or letter or simply point to the answer on the screen. That way, other household members passing do not hear the questions or answers. Looking at the screen allows the respondent to answer with a number or letter so other household members do not know the responses. This would not be effective when interviewing a poor or nonreader, however, who needs to hear the questions and responses read aloud.

Finally, if you believe the setting is not private enough for the respondent to answer truthfully, offer to return to the household when you can complete the interview in private.

7.7.3 Setting up the Computer

When you choose a spot to set up the computer for the interview plan to sit opposite or catty-corner to the respondent. Here are some ergonomic considerations to maximize your own comfort and that of the respondent when setting up the equipment. Whenever possible:

• Sit with the computer straight in front of you at a comfortable height. Place your feet flat on the floor and keep your back straight. The monitor should be about 20" in front of your face.
  
  
• Keep your arms at a 90-degree angle to the keyboard with your wrists straight.
  
  
• Arrange for adequate lighting. Soft, indirect lighting is preferable. Position the screen so that sunlight or bright indoor lighting does not reflect off of it.
  
  

Just a few adjustments like these will greatly increase your comfort and the respondent's comfort in the short and long-term.

Once you are in a private location, assemble your equipment and materials.

• Unpack the computer.
  
  
• Connect the two parts of the power cord and then plug it into the computer.
  
  
• Plug the cord into a wall outlet using the extension cord if needed.
  
  
• Connect the headphones and cover the earpieces with a new set of disposable covers.
  
  
• Open the laptop by pressing the display latch.
  
  
• Press the ON button in the top right corner above the keyboard. Allow time for the computer to start and the password prompt to appear on the screen.
  
  
• While you are waiting, get the QuestID from your Newton and take out the reference date calendar, Showcard Booklet, and the verification form and envelope.
  
  

When the password prompt appears, you are ready to begin the interview. See Chapter 8 of this manual as well as Chapter 5 of the Computer Manual to read about the procedures for conducting a CAI interview.

REVIEW OF Chapter 7
Preparing to Interview

To assist your learning process, read the following summary of key points in this chapter. Following the summary are several questions to ask yourself. These questions will help you identify those areas you understand, and pinpoint the areas where you would benefit from re-reading a particular section.

SUMMARY

• As a professional field interviewer on this study, you are responsible for making sure that every interview is administered correctly. In addition, you must always maintain high ethical standards, treating your respondents and their information with the utmost confidentiality and respect. It is important that you remain completely unbiased and objective.
  
  
• It is always best to try and complete the interview immediately after a respondent has been selected through the screening process. This will improve your response rates and efficiency. If this is not possible, identify a good time to return and set a firm appointment.
  
  
• As with screenings, any interview result or visit must be documented in your ROC and assigned a result code.
  
  
• Even after the screening has been completed, the Newton allows you to view the household roster and selection screen. This enables you to re-educate yourself on the make-up of the household on your return visits.
  
  
• The skills that make you successfully complete screenings likewise help you as you try to obtain interview participation. You need to be professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and PERSISTENT.
  
  
• To complete an interview with a minor, you must obtain the verbal consent of the minor and the parent/guardian.
  
  
• To actually administer the interview, it is imperative that you find a private location where you and your respondent can comfortably use the laptop.
  
  

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. What screen on the Newton allows you to add a call record?
   
   
2. Assign a code for the following situations.
   
   You make a return visit to the DU, but your interview respondent is not there.
   
   A mother does not want you to interview her 16 year old son.
   The respondent speaks only Spanish and you are not an RTI-Certified bilingual interviewer.
   You set a firm appointment with the selected respondent for tonight at 6 PM.

3. Imagine that you have completed a screening on Monday evening and you are making a return visit on Tuesday evening to try and catch the selected interview respondent at home. You are interested in knowing who the screening respondent was, and since you have done 20 cases since yesterday, you can not remember. How can you get this information from your Newton?
   
   
4. When is a good time to catch teens at home?
   
   
5. If a teen refuses because of a lack of interest, what would you say?
   
   
6. Why is it so important that the NHSDA interview be conducted in private?

This page was last updated on December 29, 2008.

SAMHSA, an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government's lead agency for improving the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health services in the United States.