Public intercept interviews and surveys for gathering place-based perceptions: Observations from community water research in Utah

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title

Journal of Rural Social Science

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Award Number

NSF, Office of Integrative Activities 1208732

Funder

NSF, Office of Integrative Activities

Publisher

Southern Rural Sociological Association

Volume

31

Issue

3

First Page

104

Last Page

124

Abstract

Public intercept interviews provide a useful data gathering method for assessing locally salient topics. We describe a recent project to highlight public water perspectives in parks in two Utah cities and we focus on the methodological considerations to expand applications of the public intercept survey method. Combining demographic survey information with open-ended interview data allows for validating samples against census information. An expanded informed consent process allows participants to make selections regarding data use and identification. New technologies enable a paperless process and data management opportunities as well as challenges. Participants were largely willing to allow use of interview audio recordings to be used in reporting findings, and just under half were interested in being identified. Undergraduate research assistants played key roles in carrying out this intercept survey project, highlighting potential for future application of this method with students, community groups, or citizen scientists.

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