Introduction

1. Interviewers Introduce Themselves

In this first step the interviewers are typically trained to introduce themselves by saying their name; the name of the survey organization, sponsor, or both; and the topic of the survey. For example,

Although this sounds simple, this is a very critical step. As suggested by the University of Michigan's Interviewer's Manual, interviewers must convince the respondent that he or she is a professional interviewer from a reputable organization, who is collecting valuable and important data and that the respondent is key to the success of the research.

Interviewers' voice, manner, and beliefs about themselves make as much of a difference as what they say. Interviewers should show a warm, friendly, confident manner and speak slowly. If interviewers believe they will have difficulty and are not confident, this will show.

For in-person surveys, the interviewer's appearance can also be a factor in providing credibility. At the U.K. National Centre for Social Research, interviewers are not told specifically what to wear, but they are told to be “neat and neutral.” For in-person surveys, interviewers have the advantage of being able to show their identification card, and it is generally suggested that interviewers smile and make eye contact.

2. Advanced Letters

Use of an advance letter is common for in-person surveys and also can be used in many telephone surveys. An advance letter gives interviewers a psychological advantage. They are not making a cold call but one that has been warmed by the legitimacy of the advance letter. Even if the person who answers the door (or answers the phone) has not received or read the letter, interviewers can still use the letter to their advantage. Well-trained interviewers have copies of the letter with them (or at least know the content) and use this as a peg to start a

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