COMMUNICATION IN THE INTERVIEW AND THE DISENGAGED RESPONDENT
Abstract
The standard response in the survey interview was found to take on a specific kind of significance. The investigator need not ask himself whether any given response was ''truly'' representative of the person's opinion. Rather, given the type of situation represented by the survey interview,AND GIVEN THE TYPE OF QUESTION USED, IN WHAT OTHER SITUATIONS IS IT LIKELY THAT THIS SAME RESPONSE WILL OCCUR. Applying this reasoning, it might be anticipated that given the social nature of the interview, the elderly person can be expected to fail to respond or differentiate in numerous other superficial social situations. However, if one is interested in predicting flavor preference or voting behavior, for example, when the person is faced with a decision where more is at stake, different results might be expected. In terms of future investigations what seems to be indicated is a better understanding of significant learning experiences and of the conceptual commonalities of varying situations. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0289060
Entities
People
- Kenneth J. Gergen
- Kurt W. Back
Organizations
- Duke University