The Informal Interview as a Technique for Recreation Research

Abstract

Survey research conducted with formal interviews and questionnaires is subject to a number of possible biases. One potential way to check for such bias is in the systematic application of informal interviews. Comparisons of data obtained from a sample of campers at two public campgrounds in New York State revealed significant differences in data on willingness to pay collected by formal and informal interviews. These differences could only partially be accounted for by the characteristics of the respondents. Evaluation of the informal interview procedure indicates that although it may have limited application, it provides a useful way to validate research data collected through more formal procedures.