Adapting the cognitive interview to enhance long-term (35 years) recall ofphysical activities

The cognitive interview (CT) was modified for use in an epidemiological stu dy in which respondents were asked to recall their daily physical activitie s from the distant past (35 years ago). In comparison to a traditional epid emiological interview, the CI elicited many more responses and also more pr ecise responses. Several practical costs, however, were incurred by the CI: additional time to train interviewers and to conduct interviews and diffic ulties in coding the responses. The costs and benefits of conducting the CI are addressed, along with conceptual and methodological challenges. The ar ticle ends with an existential question: Is the CI a singular technique if it can be modified so radically for different settings?.