Interviews are a common method of data collection in social science research. However, they are not without potential sources of bias, such as interviewer effects. This article provides an overview of interviewer effects, including a brief history, definition, and overview of the impact of interviewer effects on research results.
History of Interviewer Effects
The concept of interviewer effects has been studied since the early 1950s. In 1952, sociologist Paul Lazarsfeld and his colleagues at the University of Vienna introduced the concept in their study of voting behavior. They found that the interviewer’s attitudes and behaviors had an influence on the responses given by respondents. Subsequent research has continued to explore the impact of interviewer effects on research results.
Definition of Interviewer Effects
Interviewer effects refer to the influence of the interviewer’s presence and behavior on the responses of the research participants. They include factors such as the interviewer’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, attitude, and behavior. These effects can take the form of conscious or unconscious bias on the part of the interviewer, leading to inaccurate or incomplete data.
Impact of Interviewer Effects on Research Results
The impact of interviewer effects on research results can be significant. Studies have found that interviewer effects can lead to inaccurate or incomplete data, as well as biased results. For example, studies have found that interviewers’ gender, age, race, and ethnicity can influence the responses of research participants. Interviewers’ attitudes and behavior can also have an effect on the data collected.
To reduce the potential for interviewer effects, researchers should take steps to ensure that their study design and data collection methods are as free from bias as possible. This includes selecting interviewers carefully and training them to avoid bias. In addition, researchers can use techniques such as randomized response techniques to reduce the potential for interviewer effects.
Conclusion
Interviewer effects can have a significant impact on research results, and researchers should take steps to reduce their potential impact. By carefully selecting interviewers and training them to avoid bias, and using techniques such as randomized response techniques, researchers can ensure that their data is as free from bias as possible.
References
Lazarsfeld, P. F., Berelson, B., & Gaudet, H. (1948). The people’s choice: How the voter makes up his mind in a presidential campaign. New York: Columbia University Press.
Gonzalez-Mulé, E., & Leach, C. F. (2016). The impact of interviewer effects on survey research. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 19(3), 279-293. doi:10.1080/13645579.2014.947798
Tourangeau, R., & Yan, T. (2007). Sensitive questions in surveys. Psychological Bulletin, 133(5), 859-883. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.133.5.859
Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D. & Christenson, D. (2014). Internet, phone, mail, and mixed-mode surveys: The tailored design method. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.