Research Method 2

Question 1

What are the self-report methods or techniques?

Answer 1

• Questionnaires
• Interviews

Self-report data is collected when participants provide information about their own feelings, thoughts, or behaviors.

Question 2

Self-report data involves responding to questions on a questionnaire or during an interview to gather what type of data?

Answer 2

Subjective data

This data reflects participants’ personal experiences.

Question 3

What is the purpose of closed question questionnaires?

Answer 3

To determine the range of possible answers in advance

They are mainly used when factual information is required.

Question 4

Closed questions tend to generate what type of data?

Answer 4

Quantitative data

This data is numerical and easy to quantify and analyze.

Question 5

List the strengths of closed questions.

Answer 5

• Produce quantitative data
• Easy to quantify and analyze
• Easy to check reliability of results
• Facilitate collation and display of information
• Allow for comparison of specific responses

These strengths enhance the clarity and reliability of the data collected.

Question 6

What is the main limitation of closed questions?

Answer 6

Limited information in answers

Participants can only select from provided options, which can reduce internal validity.

Question 7

What do open question questionnaires require from participants?

Answer 7

Descriptive answers with no restrictions

Participants use their own words to provide answers.

Question 8

Open questions tend to produce what type of data?

Answer 8

Qualitative data

This data is non-numerical and provides rich, detailed information.

Question 9

List the strengths of open questions.

Answer 9

• Produce rich, detailed information
• Increase internal validity
• Allow respondents to interpret questions freely
• Enable pursuit of unexpected lines of enquiry

These strengths contribute to a deeper understanding of participants’ experiences.

Question 10

What is the main limitation of open questions?

Answer 10

Produce qualitative data

Such data is not easy to quantify and analyze, making it difficult to check reliability.

Question 11

When constructing a questionnaire, researchers should consider the aims of the questionnaire. Why is this important?

Answer 11

It makes it easier to select appropriate questions

Having a clear aim guides the questionnaire’s focus.

Question 12

What is the recommended length of a questionnaire?

Answer 12

Short and to the point

Longer questionnaires are less likely to be completed by participants.

Question 13

What should researchers use as a basis for their questionnaires?

Answer 13

Examples of questionnaires that already exist and have been shown to be valid

This ensures that the questionnaire is grounded in established research.

Question 14

What is a key aspect of question formation in questionnaires?

Answer 14

Questions should be concise, unambiguous, and easily understood

Researchers should avoid using leading questions.

Question 15

What is the purpose of conducting a pilot study before the main survey?

Answer 15

To discover problems with the design, such as ambiguous or misleading questions

This allows for corrections before the main survey.

Question 16

What is a potential issue with using measurement scales in questionnaires?

Answer 16

Participants may select the middle value, reducing internal validity

While scales produce easy-to-analyze data, they may lack detail.

Question 17

Name a strength of questionnaires related to data collection speed.

Answer 17

Quick to complete and can test all participants at the same time

This saves time and money for researchers.

Question 18

How might questionnaires improve the validity of findings?

Answer 18

Participants may disclose more personal information without face-to-face interaction

This can lead to higher internal validity.

Question 19

Why are questionnaires considered easy to replicate?

Answer 19

They use standardized questions

High external reliability is achieved if the same results are obtained in repeated studies.

Question 20

What reduces the likelihood of researcher bias in questionnaires?

Answer 20

Participants can answer without the researcher being present

This increases the internal validity of the study.

Question 21

What type of data do closed questions in questionnaires typically yield?

Answer 21

Quantitative data

This data is straightforward to analyze and allows for comparisons.

Question 22

What is a benefit of open questions in questionnaires?

Answer 22

They provide depth, detail, and greater diversity of responses

This increases internal validity and avoids participant frustration.

Question 23

What is a limitation of self-report data in questionnaires?

Answer 23

Participants may not accurately recall information or may provide socially desirable answers

This can reduce the internal validity of the study.

Question 24

What is a problem with leading questions in questionnaires?

Answer 24

They can lead respondents to give particular responses

This can result in inaccurate information and reduce internal validity.

Question 25

What is a potential issue with **misinterpretation** of questions?

Answer 25

Participants may misunderstand questions, leading to inaccurate responses ## Footnote This can further compromise the validity of the study.

Question 26

What is a **limitation** of using closed questions in research?

Answer 26

Quantitative data obtained is unlikely to provide depth or detail ## Footnote This limitation affects the internal validity of the study.

Question 27

What is a **limitation** of using open questions in research?

Answer 27

Qualitative data is often difficult to analyze ## Footnote This makes it problematic to compare specific responses and form conclusions.

Question 28

What is an **interview schedule**?

Answer 28

A list of questions/topics that the interviewer intends to cover ## Footnote Standardization helps reduce interviewer bias.

Question 29

What type of interviews typically involve a **pre-determined set of questions**?

Answer 29

Structured interviews ## Footnote These are conducted in a fixed order, similar to a questionnaire.

Question 30

What is a characteristic of **unstructured interviews**?

Answer 30

There are no set questions ## Footnote Interaction is free-flowing, allowing participants to elaborate on their answers.

Question 31

True or false: **One-to-one interviews** should be conducted in a noisy environment.

Answer 31

FALSE ## Footnote A quiet room increases the likelihood that the participant will open up.

Question 32

What interpersonal issues should be considered when designing an interview?

Answer 32

* Gender of interviewer * Age of interviewer ## Footnote These factors could affect the honesty of participants' answers, especially on sensitive topics.

Question 33

What is a strength of conducting interviews regarding **misunderstandings**?

Answer 33

Ambiguity can be clarified ## Footnote This increases the internal validity of the study.

Question 34

What is a potential ethical issue when conducting interviews?

Answer 34

Participants may disclose more detailed personal information ## Footnote This can raise concerns about privacy and consent.

Question 35

What is a **strength** of data obtained through **interviews** compared to questionnaires?

Answer 35

Higher internal validity ## Footnote Data from interviews may provide more accurate and detailed responses.

Question 36

What is a potential **risk** when participants disclose information during interviews?

Answer 36

Stress/psychological harm ## Footnote Participants may reveal more than they wish, leading to discomfort.

Question 37

Qualitative data from interviews is likely to provide **greater diversity** of responses and more _______.

Answer 37

meaningful information ## Footnote This increases the internal validity of the study.

Question 38

What is a **strength** of **structured interviews** regarding replication?

Answer 38

Standardized questions ## Footnote This allows researchers to assess the external reliability of the study.

Question 39

What is a **strength** of **unstructured interviews**?

Answer 39

Flexibility to explore complex issues ## Footnote Interviewers can tailor questions based on responses for in-depth exploration.

Question 40

What is a limitation of **self-report data** in interviews?

Answer 40

Might not be valid ## Footnote Participants may provide socially desirable answers or inaccurately recall information.

Question 41

What is a limitation regarding the **speed of data collection** in interviews?

Answer 41

Time-consuming and expensive ## Footnote Individual interviews and analysis can take a long time.

Question 42

What are **interviewer effects**?

Answer 42

Influence on respondent's answers ## Footnote This can occur through question phrasing or body language, leading to bias.

Question 43

What is a limitation related to **researcher bias** in interviews?

Answer 43

Misinterpretation of data ## Footnote Researchers may interpret answers to support their hypothesis, reducing validity.

Question 44

What is a limitation of **unstructured interviews**?

Answer 44

Difficult to replicate ## Footnote Lack of standardized questions makes external reliability testing impossible.

Question 45

What is a limitation of **structured interviews** regarding unexpected responses?

Answer 45

Cannot pursue for more detail ## Footnote This limits the depth of information gained compared to unstructured interviews.

Question 46

Interviews are only appropriate for participants who can _______ their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

Answer 46

verbalize ## Footnote Researchers must judge the appropriateness of this method for participants.