Cross cultural surveys and interviewing

Abstract

Survey and interviews are the most widely used methods in cross cultural research. Some basic questions about designing of surveys have been raised. A paradigm of interview as a form of communication has been proposed. The relevant factors in relation to the interviewer s background, questions asked, respondent s background, interview and its setting, questions understood, respondent motivation answer given and answer understood have been discussed in relation to the paradigm. This interviewing process has been discussed in details (purpose, preparation of the schedule, sequencing, questions and responses, structure and scaling). The other topics covered are treating data from interview, interviewer related factors, respondent related factors, cultural factors and authenticity of interviews. Selection and training of interviewers are also discussed.