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Abstract:
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The survey interview has been recognized as the most frequently used data collection procedure in the social sciences (Dijkstra & van der Zouwen , l987 ) . Although the survey interview is an essential methodological tool in social science research , it is fraught with problems of validity and reliability . Cognitive psychology offers a perspective to further explore the methodological facets of the survey interview . Research in the underlying cognitive processes involved in information processing over the past two decades has enhanced the understanding and utility of the survey interview in survey methodology (Tourangeau , Couper , & Conrad , 2004 ; Tourangeau , Rips , &
Rasinski , 2000 ; Sudman , Bradburn , & Schwarz , l996 ; Tanur , l992 ; Hippler , Schwarz , &
Sudman , l987 ; Jabine , Straf , Tanur , & Tourangeau , l984 ) . Identifying evidence of the use of heuristics and heuristic -based bias provides a cognitive perspective that can introduce insights and valuable information on the judgment and decision -making process of practitioners and researchers who conduct clinical and survey interviews .
This study is an exploratory , secondary analysis of a primary study data set comprised of respondent answers recorded in 30 structured interviews . Guided by information processing theory and the psychology of human judgment , the study seeks to identify evidence of judgmental heuristics and heuristic -based bias . The study also examines contextual influences within the structured interviews that may affect the use of judgmental heuristics . |