Interviewing Older Adults: A Comparison of Telephone and Face-to-Face Modalities

摘要: This article examines telephone interviewing of older adults and compares it with face-to-face interviews. Specifically, the following issues are examined in several national surveys: (1) differences age distributions between samples reached both modes; (2) explanations for potential distributions; (3) two modes demographic characteristics reached, interview process response quality, how these mode vary by respondents. Telephone surveys tend to underrepresent persons, persons who do participate a survey disproportionately well educated. Implications lower rate among softened fact that reponse across range questions show little difference other groups. A. Regula Herzog is Assistant Research Scientist at Institute Social Gerontology University Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Willard L. Rodgers Associate Richard Kulka Senior Survey Methodologist Triangle Institute, Park, North Carolina. revised abbreviated version three papers presented 33rd Annual Meeting Gerontological Society, San Diego, November 1980. research was supported USPHS Grant No. AGO2038 from National on Aging. The authors wish thank Lynn Dielman Mary Grace Moore able assistance; Charles Cannell, Philip Converse, Curtin, Robert Groves, Kahn, late Angus Campbell data unreleased surveys; Berit Ingersoll helpful comments an earlier this paper. Public Opinion Quairter-ly Vol. 47 405-418 ? 1983 Tr-ustees Columbia Univelsity Published ElsevierScience Publishing Co, Inc. 0033-362X/83/0047-405/$2.50 content downloaded 207.46.13.105 Wed, 25 May 2016 06:47:29 UTC All use subject http://about.jstor.org/terms 406 HERZOG, RODGERS, AND KULKA has been directed specifically adults. paper represents initial effort direction. In type considered here, random-digit dialing method identifying sample households used, interviews random adult each household conducted central location. (For detailed presentation methodology see Groves 1979; discussion sampling procedures Waksberg, 1978.) A comparison must therefore consider areas two: their ability reach representative population; nature itself; quality responses obtained. general, representativeness may be jeopardized ways. First, drawn inaccurately and/or frame which systematically excludes certain members population. Second, identified as respondents not survey, thereby introducing systematic bias. With respect first point, without excluded subscribers. However, constitutes less problem when than total population because slightly more likely younger have (Thornberry Massey, 1978). second rates generally somewhat similar (Groves 1979). Moreover, particularly decline telephone, since they hearing problems (Corso, 1977), used formal education. On hand, some agree contacted person, many them concerned about being victimized (Clemente Kleiman, 1976) require admit stranger home. sum, difficult predict will compare reaching elderly population, potentially important factors apparently work opposite directions. For reasons expected stressful demanding interview, failing sensory capacities INTERVIEWING OLDER ADULTS 407 concerns performance (Botwinick, 1978) make relies entirely auditory communication stressful. also limit amount feedback interviewer can provide put respondent ease task personal (Singer, 1981), importance good learning Finally, often proceed rapid pace 1978),1 high speed yet another factor known detrimental perceptual 1978; Corso, 1977). interviewing. addresses issues: process,