SummaryWithin a framework which includes a review of the comparative strengths of questionnaire and interview based research and of the use of the telephone within both traditions, an account is given of an apparently innovative technique used to, evaluate the trials of an educational database. As work had to be conducted quickly to a low budget and in respect of dispersed respondents, a postal questionnaire followed by telephone interview technique was devised and implemented. The paper concentrates on a critical review of the processes involved, and points to areas of future research development.