Citation

Sabin MC, Godley SH. Eval. Program Plann. 1987; 10(2): 137-141.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0149-7189(87)90049-8

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Two within household telephone sampling techniques for collecting citizen survey data for community mental health center's needs assessments were compared on the basis of respondent demographic characteristics; response, completion, and refusal rates; and, administrative costs. Initially, all households were chosen via random digit dialing. Then, one technique allowed the surveyor to interview any adult member of a household who answered the phone. The other technique used was developed by Troldahl and Carter and required the use of a reference table procedure to determine the appropriate respondent. While more expensive, the Troldahl-Carter method produced significantly better representativeness of the population for a rural county. Factors relating to a decision regarding which technique to employ are discussed.