Communication Processes in the Field Research Interview Setting: A Case Study.
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| Title: | Communication Processes in the Field Research Interview Setting: A Case Study. |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Mason, Susan A. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 1990 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Speeches/Meeting Papers |
| Descriptors: | Case Studies, Communication Skills, Degrees (Academic), Discourse Modes, Employee Assistance Programs, Field Interviews, Higher Education, Interpersonal Communication, Occupational Surveys, Qualitative Research, Research Methodology |
| Abstract: | For those involved in research of any type, the gathering of complete, relevant, and untainted information is the ultimate goal. The collection of valuable information is particularly challenging in the social sciences, which often call for qualitative field research. The effective field research interviewer must not only be knowledgeable of the theoretical background of a given study, but must also be well versed and practiced in a wide variety of communication skills. Beginning in 1970, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have emerged as a major vehicle for prevention and treatment of alcohol, drug, and other emotional health problems in the workplace. In 1985, to meet a perceived need for quality education in the core tasks of EAP work and to study the socialization processes associated with this work, Cornell University together with the New York State Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse launched the Employee Assistance Education and Research Program (EAERP). For the research program, three researchers conducted interviews with 278 people who had either graduated from EAERP, dropped out, inquired about the program, or obtained jobs in employee assistance. To prepare participants to be EAP interviewers, weekly research meetings conducted over a 3-year period served as dress rehearsals. Potential participants were persuaded to participate through appeals to trust, credibility, logic, and emotion. Interview strategies varied with the participants. Data collected in the study is still being analyzed, and results of the research effort are anticipated by 1991. (SG) |
| Entry Date: | 1990 |
| Accession Number: | ED321320 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | For those involved in research of any type, the gathering of complete, relevant, and untainted information is the ultimate goal. The collection of valuable information is particularly challenging in the social sciences, which often call for qualitative field research. The effective field research interviewer must not only be knowledgeable of the theoretical background of a given study, but must also be well versed and practiced in a wide variety of communication skills. Beginning in 1970, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have emerged as a major vehicle for prevention and treatment of alcohol, drug, and other emotional health problems in the workplace. In 1985, to meet a perceived need for quality education in the core tasks of EAP work and to study the socialization processes associated with this work, Cornell University together with the New York State Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse launched the Employee Assistance Education and Research Program (EAERP). For the research program, three researchers conducted interviews with 278 people who had either graduated from EAERP, dropped out, inquired about the program, or obtained jobs in employee assistance. To prepare participants to be EAP interviewers, weekly research meetings conducted over a 3-year period served as dress rehearsals. Potential participants were persuaded to participate through appeals to trust, credibility, logic, and emotion. Interview strategies varied with the participants. Data collected in the study is still being analyzed, and results of the research effort are anticipated by 1991. (SG) |
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