Accompaniment is basically part of interviewers' training. They are done to assess how the interviewer conducts the interview. The purpose is to give a lot of information about the way in which an interviewer conducts an interview and helps immensely in finding and correcting errors in the interviewers interviewing method. Accompaniments include checking:

• The interviewers introduction to the respondent
• The way he develops rapport with the respondent
• Administration of the questionnaire as per the methods/ instructions specified
• Handling of queries raised by the respondent
• Getting the correct responses
• Handling of stimulus

We recommend that MRUC members start their field visit by accompanying some of the interviewers. This would give a clear understanding of:

• The methodology of conducting an interview
• The definitions used (e.g. MHI, CWE, Housewife, Readership etc)
• Masthead administration