Training the Enumerators and Collection of Data Part I

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Training the Enumerators and Collection of Data Part I


Importance of Training Enumerators

Ensure the quality of data collected

Minimize biases from nonsampling errors– Response error– Reporting Unit and Item Nonresponse

Reduce respondent burden

Preserve the confidentiality of collected data


Importance of Training Enumerators

Plan for Data Quality by following these steps:– Identify the best people to be enumerators– Select training methods– Identify key training topics– Develop instructional materials– Teach effective interviewing techniques and job skills– Choose appropriate data collection methods


Identify Enumerators

Basic Qualifications– Sufficient education– Pass written test and an interview– Citizenship may be required– Pass standard security background check– Good communication skills– Physically able to meet demands of the job


Identify Enumerators

Other Considerations– Must be available for the data collection cycle– Must be available for data collection training– May need a mode of transportation– Language skills may be needed for multi-lingual surveys– May need to match socio-demographic characteristics of

enumerators to respondents


Select Training Methods

• Self-study• Classroom• Computer Based Training• On-the-job Training and Observations• Practice• Classroom Refresher• Memoranda• Remedial and Special Training


Select Training Methods

All data collection training should include:– Clear written instructions on how the survey instrument is

to be administered– A walk-through of each item on the instrument, which

includes a discussion of intent– Review of a standard data set– A clear schedule of dates when collection of data will

occur– Information on where to refer respondents with questions

and/or concerns


Identify Key Training Topics

• History of Statistical Organization and Survey• Roles and responsibilities• Survey concepts: Questionnaire items• Housing unit listing procedures• Confidentiality and privacy requirements• Uses of the survey data



Conducting an Interview– Introduction– Interview: Ask the survey questions– Ending the Interview– Post Interview

Developing Interviewing Skills



Computer Skills (if applicable)– Hardware and software functions– Security

Administrative tasks


Develop Instructional Materials

• Self-studies and Self-tests• Workbooks and Checklists• Field Representative Interviewing Manual• Computer User Guide (if applicable)• Listing Manual• Administrative Handbook• Memoranda


Develop Instructional Materials

• Exercises• Tip Sheets, Charts, and other Job Aids• Video and Audio Recordings• Overhead Transparencies• Computer-Based Slideshows• Computer-Based Training Modules• Web-Based Training Modules and Conferencing


Interviewing Techniques

• Ideal timing of contact attempts• Creating a good impression

– Establish trust– Appropriate dress– Know the survey

• Effective introduction



Unbiased probing– Ask questions as worded and in order– Never lead or rush respondents– Do not patronize respondents– Do not get involved in long explanations of the survey

such as trying to explain sampling– Do not prompt the respondent for specific answers or

agree or disagree with an answer

Never falsify interviews



Develop strong communication skills– Face-to-face interviews– Telephone interviews (if applicable)

Understand types of noninterviews

Learn refusal avoidance and conversion techniques



Active listening

Diagnosing concerns of reluctant respondents– Time and burden concerns and rebuttals– Government concerns and rebuttals– Confidentiality concerns and rebuttals– The “Pass Off” and dealing with gatekeepers– Impending change in status concerns and rebuttals

Softening statements

Leaving compelling messages for non-contacts



Diagnosing concerns of reluctant respondents– Time and burden concerns and rebuttals

Diagnosing concerns of reluctant respondents– Government concerns and rebuttals



Diagnosing concerns of reluctant respondents– Confidentiality concerns and rebuttals

Diagnosing concerns of reluctant respondents– The Pass Off and how to deal with gatekeepers



Diagnosing concerns of reluctant respondents– Impending change in status concerns and rebuttals

Documents

Training the Enumerators and Collection of Data Part I