Using random telephone sampling to recruit generalizable samples for family violence studies

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Family Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Convenience sampling is prevalent in laboratory-based clinical and family psychology studies.
• This method often limits the generalizability of research findings.
• There is a need for more representative recruitment strategies in family psychology research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of random digit dialing (RDD) for recruiting generalizable samples.
• To compare RDD-recruited samples with census data and non-participants.
• To evaluate RDD as a recruitment method for laboratory-based family psychology studies.

Main Methods:

• Random digit dialing (RDD) was employed to recruit participants for two studies: a parenting study and an intimate partner violence study.
• Response rates and demographic characteristics of RDD-screened individuals were analyzed.
• Comparisons were made between RDD respondents who qualified for, but did not participate in, the studies and the general population.

Main Results:

• The RDD screen response rate ranged from 42-45%.
• Demographics of RDD-recruited samples showed close alignment with 2000 U.S. Census data, with minor variations in race, age, and income.
• Non-participating RDD respondents exhibited small differences in income, couple conflict, and corporal punishment compared to participants.

Conclusions:

• Random digit dialing (RDD) presents a viable and effective strategy for recruiting more generalizable samples for in-laboratory family psychology studies.
• RDD can enhance the representativeness of study populations, improving the external validity of findings.
• The successful implementation of RDD is contingent upon sufficient study resources, including time and funding.