Interviewer effects in public health surveys
R E Davis1, M P Couper, N K Janz
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA. reda@umich.edu
Health Education Research
|September 19, 2009
Summary
Interviewer effects significantly impact public health survey data, especially on sensitive topics. More research is needed to determine if matching interviewers and respondents improves data quality.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Survey Methodology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Interviewer effects can bias survey data, particularly in public health research concerning sensitive topics like racial attitudes and behaviors.
- Socially desirable responding is a key concern in health surveys, potentially amplified by interviewer influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and emphasize the importance of measuring and controlling interviewer effects in health surveys.
- To review existing research on interviewer effects related to race, ethnicity, and gender.
- To identify gaps in current knowledge and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on interviewer effects in surveys.
- Analysis of factors influencing interviewer effects, such as survey topic and interviewer-respondent characteristics.
- Discussion of methodological considerations, including interviewer-respondent matching and potential biases.
Main Results:
- Interviewer effects are most pronounced when survey items address sociodemographic characteristics or sensitive behaviors.
- There is limited evidence supporting the benefits of interviewer-respondent demographic matching for response rates or data validity.
- Matched designs may introduce measurement bias, necessitating careful consideration.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to understand the impact of interviewer characteristics on health-related survey data.
- Investigating within-group interviewer variability and the combined effects of multiple interviewer characteristics is essential.
- Guidance is needed for public health professionals on the utility of interviewer-respondent demographic matching.
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