Human Research Ethics Committee:
Guidelines for Telephone Interviewing
Due to the potentially intrusive nature of telephone interviews, the researcher will need to consider:
- the choice of this method of research over less intrusive means (such as self-administered questionnaires)
- if questions are of a sensitive nature, how the potential distress for participants can be minimised, and what referral protocol exists for people who experience emotional distress resulting from the interview, or the request for an interview.
The Committee's current policy on this is as follows;
An exception to the use of an information statement would be in telephone surveys. In this case, the investigator must clearly inform research participants of the details which would normally be included in an information sheet (Refer to the separate Guide for Telephone Interviewing Sheet).
The Committee suggests that researchers consider using a written information sheet which forewarns the target population that telephone contact will be made. This information sheet could include the following information:
- the reasons for obtaining information via a telephone interview
- how names, addresses and telephone numbers of the target population were obtained
- the desired interviewee and why this person is chosen
- details of the nature of the questions to be asked
- when the interview will take place and its length
- the manner in which the target population may prevent telephone contact, eg the provision of a refusal form which can be returned to the researcher
A telephone interview protocol or script must be submitted with the application. The protocol must:
- include a concise introduction, clearly identifying the caller, the university, (and referring to the letter - if committee determines this necessary). Note that in asking to speak to the intended interviewee, the specific nature of the call should not be disclosed to a third party. For example, it is sufficient to say "I would like to speak to … regarding a letter we sent to her about women's health", rather than being specific about what aspect of women's health is being investigated.
- cater for people who did not receive the information sheet. If it is necessary to interview such people, the interviewer cannot proceed until such time as the interviewee is provided with an information sheet if they are willing to receive one.
- include opportunities for the interviewee to withdraw from the interview. If the interview is more than 5 minutes in duration, the interviewees should be asked at 5-minute intervals if they are willing to proceed.
- include warnings as to the nature of the questions to be asked, if the questions address sensitive issues such as domestic violence or sexual behaviour. In this case, the interviewees must be told what the next set of questions will cover and their willingness to proceed must be ascertained.
For more information contact the Secretary to the Committee:
| Executive Officer
Email: ethics@csu.edu.au Phone: 02 6338 4628 Fax: 02 6338 4194 |
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