Publisher: National Centre for Social Research (formerly SCPR)
Description: Video: 30 minutes.
Language: English
Price: Educational rate 125 UK pounds. 
http://www.sagepub.co.uk/
http://www.scpr.ac.uk/

This thirty minute video alternates effectively presents in visual form information about how negotiations between potential respondents and interviewers can be improved. The video production is (purportedly) based on two research projects into this topic which the Centre has carried out. The format alternates between three styles of presentation: - scenarios acted out between actors and trained interviewers illustrating a particular phase of entry – discussion between 4 interviewers – summary sheets with bulleted discussion points. Two of the interviewers are men (one white, one Indian), the other two are white women.

The phases covered include: - approaching the house - doorstep behaviour in general - 'calling at a bad time' - checking the address - introducing the survey – handling entry phones - handling 'why me?.. go next door' - selection within the household - dealing with 'not interested' responses - starting the interview - overcoming obstacles - handling older people - 'bad days & good days': interviewer emotions.

The video can be used in several formats: it could be run through and then used to stimulate discussion, or freeze-framed on one or other of the various bullet summary sheets, with discussion revolving around each of these. The video is well made and interesting enough. I am not sure that the house-style formula of NCSR is necessarily one that should be adopted in toto, and the alternatives to their formula are not explicitly discussed in the video. Indeed, it is interesting, surely to note their style which involves the sequence of sending a warning letter, introducing name of interviewer and firm, checking the address and that the letter has been received etc. No mention of ethics for example: apparently a point not always handled well in the UK.

While the video is undoubtedly appropriate for UK conditions it fails to deal with various issues which confront SA interviews: e.g. dogs, interviewer safety, negotiating the language for the interview, negotiating separate discussion with the interviewee only. In sum, it does perhaps two-thirds of the job needed for SA conditions. A good start (after one good look is worth a thousand words) but needed supplementation to work locally.