This paper describes aspects of the study design and field methods used in a survey of psychiatric disorders carried out in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Between January 1983 and May 1986, information was gathered on 3,258 community residents using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and the General Health Questionnaire - 30 item version. The survey had a response rate of 71.6%. The nature of the sampling strategy used, features of the study instruments chosen, the selection and training of interviewers, and the approach to data analysis are briefly described.