Using random telephone sampling to recruit generalizable samples for family violence studies.
Convenience sampling methods predominate in recruiting for laboratory-based studies within clinical and family psychology. The authors used random digit dialing (RDD) to determine whether they could feasibly recruit generalizable samples for 2 studies (a parenting study and an intimate partner violence study). RDD screen response rate was 42-45%; demographics matched those in the 2000 U.S. Census, with small- to medium-sized differences on race, age, and income variables. RDD respondents who qualified for, but did not participate in, the laboratory study of parents showed small differences on income, couple conflicts, and corporal punishment. Time and cost are detailed, suggesting that RDD may be a feasible, effective method by which to recruit more generalizable samples for in-laboratory studies of family violence when those studies have sufficient resources.
Slep
Amy M Smith
AM
Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2500, USA. amy.slep@stonybrook.edu
Heyman
Richard E
RE
Williams
Mathew C
MC
Van Dyke
Cheryl E
CE
O'Leary
Susan G
SG
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data