Sample Interviewer Scripts

Attachment M. Sample Interviewer Scripts

Template for Interviewer’s Script

(Telephone Interview)

Hello, I’m calling you on behalf of the (health department and/or other organization(s) when appropriate) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). My name is (name) . We’re calling to ask people about what they do and think about (short site-related information such as contaminant, area of contamination, and or company name) ______.

Is this a private residence?

If “no,”

Thank you very much, but we are only interviewing private residences. Stop

I need to speak with someone who is at least 18 years old and lives in your house. Are you 18 years of age or older?

If “yes,”

Then you are the person I need to speak with. Go to page 2 “Introduction to Survey.”

If “no,”

Is there someone 18 years of age or older at home right now that I may talk with?

If “yes,”

May I speak with (name given, or him or her) ? If yes, go to “Correct Respondent” once the person is on the line.

If “no,” stop.

To the Correct Respondent

Hello, I’m (name) calling for the (health department and/or other organization(s) when appropriate) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). We’re calling to ask people about what they do and think about (short site-related information such as contaminant, area of contamination, and or company name) ______.

Go to page 2 “Introduction to Survey.”

Introduction to Survey

I am asking you to be a part of this survey because you live in this community. The questions take about twenty (20) minutes to complete.

The name of this survey is (site name, city, or contaminant – e.g., Asbestos, Omaha Lead, or El Dorado Hill County) Household Survey. It is allowed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Section 104(i) – also known as the Superfund.

I’d like to ask you questions about some of the things you do in a day, (select all that apply: some feelings and thoughts about your life, what you think about your physical and mental health, and/or what you think about the environment). I will also ask you about the people who live in your house.

You don’t have to answer any question you don’t want to. And, you can stop answering my questions at any time. Only people working on this survey will know what answers came from you.

If you have any concerns about your rights as someone who is part of this survey project, I will give you a telephone number for you to call to get more information.

Is it okay to begin?

Template for Interviewer’s Script

(In-person Interview)

[If a child answers the door, ask to speak to an adult. If you are unsure that the person who answers the door is 18 years of age or older but appears to be a teenager or young adult, begin the script.]

Hello, I’m here to talk with you on behalf of the (health department and/or other organization(s) when appropriate) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). My name is (name) . We’re here to ask people about what they do and think about (short site-related information such as contaminant, area of contamination, and or company name) ______.

I need to speak with someone who is at least 18 years old and lives in this house. Are you 18 years of age or older?

If “yes,”

Then you are the person I need to speak with. Go to page 2 “Introduction to Survey.”

If “no,”

Is there someone 18 years of age or older at home right now that I may talk with?

If “yes,”

May I speak with (name given, or him or her) ? If yes, go to “Correct Respondent” once the person comes to the door.

If “no,”

Thank you very much. Stop.

To the Correct Respondent

Hello, I’m (name) and I’m here to talk with you on behalf of the (health department and/or other organization(s) when appropriate) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). We’re asking people about what they do and think about (short site-related information such as contaminant, area of contamination, and/or company name).

Go to page 2 “Introduction to Survey.”

Introduction to Survey

I am asking you to answer this survey because you live in this community. The questions take about twenty (20) minutes to complete.

The name of this survey is (site name, city, or contaminant – e.g., Asbestos, Omaha Lead, or El Dorado Hill County) Household Survey. It is allowed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Section 104(i) – also known as the Superfund.

I’d like to ask you questions about some of the things you do in a day, (select all that apply: some feelings and thoughts about your life, what you think about your physical and mental health, and/or what you think about the environment). I will also ask you about the people who live in your house.

You don’t have to answer any question you don’t want to. And, you can stop answering my questions at any time. Only people working on this survey will know what answers came from you.

If you have any concerns about your rights as someone who is part of this survey project, I will give you a telephone number for you to call to get more information.

Is it okay to begin?