Interview Mode Effects in Surveys of Drug and Alcohol Use: A Field Experiment

摘要: This research explores the impact of interview mode on respondents' willingness to reveal illicit or undesirable behav- ior and mechanisms by which influences re- sponse tendencies. A field experiment was designed control effects due sampling screening so that response anonymity (through use self-administered ques- tionnaires (SAQs)) social distance in interviewer- respondent relationship (telephone vs. personal communication) could be tested. Respondents aged 18-45 were randomly as- signed mode: telephone, face-to-face, self- administered. Admission drug alcohol most likely with SAQs, slightly less without least telephone mode. The magnitude differentials larger for blacks than whites, among respondents who are more mistrustful others. Results support notion derive, at part, from differences ability assuage respon- dents' confidentiality concerns. Greater between interviewer interview, compared face-to-face communication, makes it difficult researcher make convincing guarantees. provided SAQs also appears increase sensitive behavior, especially racial/ethnic minorities.