The BRFSS collects health-related data via telephone interviews across the US. What term best describes this method?

The method described is best characterized as a survey because it involves the systematic collection of data through structured interviews over the telephone. A survey is a research method designed to gather information from a sample of individuals, allowing for the analysis of attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics of a population. The BRFSS, or Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, aims to assess health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and the use of preventive services, making it a prime example of a survey methodology.

In this case, the use of telephone interviews adds a quantitative element, enabling the collection of standardized responses that can be statistically analyzed. This distinguishes it from alternative approaches such as case studies, which focus on in-depth analysis of a single case or instance. Experiments involve manipulation of variables and controlled conditions to determine cause-and-effect relationships, while observation typically entails watching and recording behavior without intervening. Thus, the essence of the BRFSS aligns with the survey category due to its structured approach to data collection.