Each day you work, there are specific tasks to perform. Of course, other activities vary depending on what you encounter out in the field. Here is a general summary of what to expect each day.

1. Review/devise your plan of action, including travel routes to/from segments.
   
   
2. Gather/organize your materials and supplies, then double check.
   
   
3. Travel to your segment.
   
   
4. Work! You will encounter one of five situations:
   
   

   	Can't screen (examples include no one home, vacant units, etc.)

   choose case from Select Case then advance to Identify SR approach unit and discover you can't screen complete ROC to document the situation.

   	Screen Only (codes 22, 26, 30)

   choose case from Select Case then advance to Identify SR approach unit and obtain participation of eligible SR complete screening obtain verification information complete ROC.

   	Screen, then Interview (codes 31, 32, then 70)

   choose case from Select Case then advance to Identify SR approach unit and obtain participation of eligible SR complete screening obtain Informed Consent(s) connect Gateway and enter QuestID from Newton complete interview(s) with available selected respondent(s) enter VerifID in CAI program complete ROC in Newton.

   	Screen, make appointment for interview (codes 31, 32 then 50)

   choose case from Select Case then advance to Identify SR approach unit and obtain participation of eligible SR complete screening respondent(s) selected complete ROC for screening complete ROC for each person selected, recording appointment time prepare appointment card for selected person(s).

   	Interview only at appointment time (or other follow-up contact)

   choose case from Select Case, review selections and roster obtain participation/informed consent of respondent(s) connect Gateway and enter QuestID from Newton complete interview(s) with available selected respondent(s) enter VerifID in CAI program complete ROC in Newton.

5. Travel home
   
   
6. Review cases—any to place on hold?
   
   
7. Prepare for and then transmit to RTI from Gateway
   
   
8. Read e-mail, if any
   
   
9. Prepare for and then transmit to RTI from Newton
   
   
10. Exit out to FormLogic screen on Newton
    
    
11. Complete entries on working copy of PT&E reflecting the day's work, including hours, miles, expenses, and Case ID numbers of completed interviews and any breakoffs
    
    
12. Leave both computers plugged in to recharge the batteries overnight.
    
    

12.5 Weekly Tasks

Each week there are specific tasks to complete:

• FS Conference call.
  
  
• Prepare actual PT&E from working copy.
  
  
• Enter summary PT&E data in your Newton (and transmit before Sunday at midnight).
  
  
• If applicable, transmit completed ePT&E report before Sunday at midnight.
  
  
• Mail calendars from completed interviews and completed paper PT&Es with receipts attached to your FS.

12.6 Periodic Tasks

At the beginning of every quarter, you must carefully review your segment materials and assignment for the assigned calendar quarter. Remaining tasks are performed on an as-needed basis:

• Prepare and mail lead letters.
  
  
• Call your FS for escort approval.
  
  
• Call your FS, or RS if needed, for help convincing your reluctant respondents.
  
  
• Call your FS for computer questions.
  
  
• Upon FS referral, call Technical Support.
  
  
• Call your FS for help with adding missed GQUs or other sampling concerns.
  
  
• Delete completed cases from Newton.
  
  
• Transmit as requested by FS.
  
  
• Resolve questions/problems.

12.7 End of Quarter Tasks

• Assign a final code to any cases not completed, with FS approval.
  
  
• Transmit one last time from both Newton and Gateway.
  
  
• Verify with FS that final transmissions are complete and you are totally finished with this quarter's work.
  
  
• Receive special code from FS.
  
  
• Remove all cases from Newton (see Section 6.20).
  
  
• Transmit from Newton again so the RTI computer knows your Newton is empty.
  
  
• After a specified time, transmit from Newton again to pick up the next quarter's work.
  
  
• Return complete segment kit to FS.
  
  
• Pat yourself on the back!
  
  
• Take a deep breath and prepare for the next quarter!

REVIEW OF Chapter 12

Summary

To assist your learning process, read the following summary of key points in this chapter. Following the summary are several questions to ask yourself. These questions will help you identify those areas you understand, and pinpoint the areas where you would benefit from re-reading a particular section.

SUMMARY

• Interviewers on this study must learn to effectively manage their supplies, including their valuable computer equipment and extensive materials. You will have to develop an organizational system that works best for you.
  
  
• Your work on this study can be broken down into daily, weekly, periodic (as needed), and end of the quarter tasks. It is extremely beneficial to use these task lists to productively organize (and understand!) your work load.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. List two supply or equipment items that you will NOT be bringing into the field with you.
   
   
2. Before traveling to your segment to begin work, what should you always do?
   
   
3. List at least three tasks that you should do every night after you have finished working.
   
   

This page was last updated on December 29, 2008.

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