the factors which maximize response rates, both through reducing refusals and increasing the probability that respondents will be available for interview, were studied in rural California. Phone directories were used to generate a sample of 250 households who were contacted on either of two evenings or Saturday. The interview questions concerned community attitudes and knowledge of the county 4-H program. The interviewers included professional 4-H staff, adult volunteer club leaders, and 4-H members aged 14-17. For three calling sessions, 591 phone calls were made. They resulted in 241 completed interviews, 99 refusals, 167 no-answers, 52 busy lines, and 32 cases when an adult was not available. The completion rate was 41 percent, with 28 percent of the households empty. The refusal rate, which was acceptable, was calculated to be 29 percent. Results of the analyses indicated that the likelihood of contacting targeted households and of completing interviews was not influenced by those situational properties that were examined: day of the week, male versus female interviewer, or experience of interviewer. This study replicated the research findings which were used in designing the survey and in training the interviewers. (GDC)