Impact of Dependent Interviewing on Interview Dynamics: Implications for Longitudinal Study Design, 2006

UKDA study number:6154

Principal Investigators

Uhrig, S.
Sala, E.
Lynn, P.
University of Essex. Institute for Social and Economic Research

Data Collector

GfK NOP

Sponsor

Economic and Social Research Council

Distributed by

UK Data Archive, University of Essex, Colchester.

May 2009

Bibliographic Citation

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Uhrig, S., Sala, E. and Lynn, P., Impact of Dependent Interviewing on Interview Dynamics: Implications for Longitudinal Study Design, 2006 [computer file]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Archive [distributor], May 2009. SN: 6154, http://dx.doi.org/10.5255/UKDA-SN-6154-1.

Acknowledgement

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Copyright:
S.C.N. Uhrig, E. Sala and P. Lynn

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6154 . Impact of Dependent Interviewing on Interview Dynamics: Implications for Longitudinal Study Design, 2006

Depositor:

Uhrig, S. , University of Essex. Institute for Social and Economic Research

Principal Investigators:

Uhrig, S. , University of Essex. Institute for Social and Economic Research

Sala, E. , University of Essex. Institute for Social and Economic Research

Lynn, P. , University of Essex. Institute for Social and Economic Research

Data Collector:

GfK NOP

Sponsor:

Economic and Social Research Council
Grant Number: RES-000-22-2118

Abstract:

This mixed methods study aimed to further knowledge of how survey design and implementation features impact interview dynamics. Interview dynamics, or the interaction between respondents and interviewers, are governed in part by the survey instrument itself and can significantly affect data quality, most notably measurement error. Since the quality of survey data underpins much social and economic research in the UK, and thereby the evidence base for policy and practice decisions, understanding interview dynamics is important. The study focused on design and implementation features associated with dependent interviewing (DI), a set of techniques that are becoming more widely used on major UK longitudinal surveys. DI is a survey design tool by which researchers word questions or route respondents through a questionnaire depending on information previously gathered from the respondent.

Data were collected as part of the pilot for Wave 16 of the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) (the main BHPS is available from the UKDA under SN 5151). The BHPS pilot sample covers households drawn from former the European Community Household Panel (ECHP) study. All pilot sample households were previously contacted and interviewed as part of the study Improving Survey Measurement of Income and Employment, 2001-2003 (available from the UKDA under SN 5157).

Further information about the project can be found on the ESRC Impact of Dependent Interviewing on Interview Dynamics: Implications for Longitudinal Survey Design award web page.

Data users are advised to refer to the BHPS documentation for background information on the ECHP sub-sample and general survey processes and data characteristics. The BHPS documentation is available from the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) web site or via the latest UKDA edition of BHPS.

Main Topics:

The quantitative data comprise 29 data files which cover different sections of the pilot survey. The qualitative data comprise partial transcriptions of respondent interviews, as only the sections of the survey involving dependent interviewing were transcribed, and a complete transcription of the interviewer focus group discussion. The focus of the individual interviews are economic activity and benefits.

Coverage:

Dates of Fieldwork: March 2006
Country: Great Britain
Spatial Units: Countries
Observation Units: Individuals
Kind of Data: Textual data; Numeric data; Individual (micro) level; Structured interview questionnaires; Focus Group transcripts

Universe Sampled:

Location of Units of Observation: National
Population: Households drawn from former European Community Household Panel Survey in March 2006.

Methodology:

Time Dimensions: Longitudinal/panel/cohort
The BHPS Wave 16 pilot is the 7th wave of data collection for these sample members
Sampling Procedures: Purposive selection/case studies
Original sample was drawn using a multi-stage stratified random sample, but for purposes of conducting the BHPS Wave 16 pilot a purposive sample was drawn.
Number of Units: Number of respondents varies between data files; transcripts of 131 interviews; transcript of one focus group
Method of Data Collection: Face-to-face interview; Self-completion; Focus group
Weighting: No weighting used

Language(s) of Written Materials:

Study Description: English
Study Documentation: English

Access:

Access Conditions: The depositor has specified that registration is required. Available to all registered users. The depositor may be informed about usage.
Availability: ESDS Longitudinal, UK Data Archive
Contact: Help desk: longitudinal@esds.ac.uk

Date of First Release:

20 May 2009

Copyright:

S.C.N. Uhrig, E. Sala and P. Lynn

File last updated:

31 October 2011