Guidelines for Conducting Virtual Cognitive Interviews During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged researchers working in physical contact with research participants. Cognitive interviews examine whether study components (most often questionnaire items) are worded or structured a manner that allows participants to interpret the items way intended by researcher. We developed guidelines conduct cognitive virtually accommodate interviewees who have limited access internet. describe essential communication and safety equipment requirements outline procedure for collecting responses while maintaining of researchers. Furthermore, provide suggestions regarding training use technology, encouraging them respond aloud (a potential challenge given researcher is not physically present participant), testing deploying prior interview. Finally, emphasize need adapt interview circumstances anticipate problems might arise.