Training of interviewers

Training of interviewers Jan Smit Consultant Statistics Division, ESCAP With thanks to Wei Liu Training of interviewers

Outline • Overview of ESCAP/WHO project • Training of interviewers Training of interviewers

ESCAP/WHO project • ESCAP/WHO Project on Improving Disability Data • 2004-2006 • Goal: improve national disability statistics by applying the ICF framework and using international measurement standards Training of interviewers

ESCAP/WHO project (cont.) • Target group: statisticians and experts in disability from 20 countries • Expected outcome: capacity to produce better disability data that meet policy needs • Partners: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Washington Group Training of interviewers

Project countries • Afghanistan • Brunei Darussalam • Cambodia • China • DPR Korea • Islamic Republic of Iran • Japan • Hong Kong, China • Laos • Macao, China • Republic of Korea • Singapore • Sri Lanka • Thailand • Vietnam Taking part in pilot test • Fiji • Indonesia • India • Mongolia • Philippines Training of interviewers

Motivation for project • Biwako Millennium Framework for Action (BMF) Principle 6 to “Strengthen national capacity in data collection and analysis concerning disability statistics” • However, many data issues within ESCAP region Training of interviewers

Regional disability data issues • Data not available to inform policy • Disability prevalence is underestimated • Traditional view of disability prevails at every layer of societies, incl. government • No comparability of data; need for use of international standards and guidelines Training of interviewers

Lack of data comparability Training of interviewers

Project components • Phase 1: • Training in the use of ICF for disability collection, in standard methodologies and in design of collection tools • National action plans for improving disability information systems • Preparation of disability statistics training manual & material Training of interviewers

Project components (cont.) • Phase 2: • Field testing of standard sets of disability questions through identical protocols • Evaluation of results for application to real data collections • Building a network of experts Training of interviewers

Main project activities • 4 regional workshops for advocating and training on the ICF approach and its implementation • Pilot testing of disability questionnaires for use in census and surveys and results analysis and dissemination • The ESCAP/WHO Disability Statistics Training Manual Training of interviewers

Interviewer training • Methods and length • Interviewer selection • Interviewer training elements • Interviewing techniques Training of interviewers

Methods interviewer training • Role play interviews • Interview with a real-life respondent • Review video-taped test interviews, if possible • Review of training material & and survey instruments • Length of training: 2-3 days Training of interviewers

Selection of interviewers • Interviewing skills & experience more important than formal qualifications • Disability questions should be clearly and simply worded • Therefore, no need for interviewers with medical background Training of interviewers

Interviewer training elements • Interviewer instructions • Data collection objectives, incl. data use • Explanation of each question, incl. definitions & response categories • Interviewer training course • Ideally face-to-face • If to costly, home study of interviewer manual + exercises • Address stereotypes & myths Training of interviewers

Stereotypes & myths • People with disabilities are often viewed as: • Incapable of participating in normal social life • Lacking skills or talents • Needing charity • Putting a strain on social resources Training of interviewers

Training therefore should… • Review whether interviewers (perhaps unconsciously) share these views • Be dealt with if they exist • To eliminate interviewer bias • Best discussed in the open during training sessions Training of interviewers

Interviewing techniques • Interviewing for disability surveys (or asking disability census question) much the same as with other surveys • Interviewer: • Introduces him/herself to respondents • Is prepared to answer questions from respondents • Follows a few simple rules for interviewing Training of interviewers

Introduction/gain rapport • Interviewer introduces him/herself by name • Explains topic of survey (or census) • Explains for what reason survey is being conducted • Says how long (how many minutes) interview is going to last Training of interviewers

Questions respondents may ask • As with any survey: • Where did you get my name? • Why did you choose me for this interview? • What kind of questions are you going to ask? • How long is interview going to last? (If not already mentioned) • What are you going to do with the data? Training of interviewers

Questions respondents may ask • Disability survey specific: • I’m old, not disabled; why do you include me in your survey? • Why does the government spend money on a survey instead of on providing better services? • What services (for people with my disability) are offered? Training of interviewers

Simple rules for interviewing • Ask questions exactly as worded on questionnaire • Even slight word changes can change the response obtained • Ask questions in the order they appear on the questionnaire • Ask every question in questionnaire • Even if already answered while answering another question Training of interviewers

Simple rules… (cont.) • Wait for respondent to finish talking before starting to write • Respondent might get upset otherwise • Interviewer may make mistakes • Don’t interrupt respondent, even if he hesitates or is quiet for a while • Don’t anticipate or assume answers Training of interviewers

Simple rules… (cont.) • If answer appears dubious and interviewer thinks the respondent doesn’t fully understand the question, repeat the question as written • Questions should be asked in a neutral tone; don’t say: • “You might not want to answer this question, but…” • “This question probably won’t make much sense to you…” Training of interviewers

Simple rules… (cont.) • Stay professional and upbeat throughout the interview • Even if respondent is difficult or uncooperative • Don’t get upset, stay courteous • Thank respondent at the end of each interview for his time and co-operation Training of interviewers

Disability specific interviewing • Some households might want to hide names or existence of children (or others) with disabilities • All household members should be listed, of course • Some people with disabilities might tire easily • 1 or more repeat visits might be necessary Training of interviewers

Tips and tricks • Treat people with disabilities like anyone else • Disability doesn’t change everything about a person! • Don’t hesitate to use: • Look and see with people who are blind or visually impaired • Listen and hear with people who are deaf or hard of hearing • Walk or run with people with mobility impairments Training of interviewers

Tips and tricks (cont.) • Be respectful of people with disabilities • Avoid stereotyping • Don’t patronize; don’t tell people with disabilities that you admire them • Don’t imply people with disabilities are child-like or of limited intelligence • Speak to respondent, not to sign language interpreter (if present) Training of interviewers

Tips and tricks (cont.) • Be aware of, and accommodate, communication difficulties • Persons who are deaf may be able to lip read and converse orally • Persons with a speech impairment may be unclear at first; ask to repeat themselves (they are probably used to it) Training of interviewers

Tips and tricks (cont.) • Accommodate the deaf and hearing-impaired respondent • Some visual sign may be needed to draw attention of respondent • Only speak more loudly or slowly when requested by respondent (he/she may be able to lip-read) • Body language and facial expressions are important Training of interviewers

Tips and tricks (cont.) • Accommodate the blind and visually-impaired respondent • Address respondent by name to make clear he/she is being addressed • If Braille material is used, be aware that not all blind respondents can read Braille Training of interviewers

Tips and tricks (cont.) • Accommodate respondents with intellectual impairments • Respondents may need more time to understand questions; don’t rush and repeat if necessary • Don’t treat respondents like children • Be aware that some respondents may be anxious to please (by giving ‘right’ answers) Training of interviewers

Interviewing in institutions • Presents additional problems that needed to be planned for in advance • Schedule appointments (with institution’s staff members) in advance • Be prepared for the unpredictable Training of interviewers

Training of interviewers