Research Methods: Self-Report Design

Question 1

Why is writing good questions important?

Answer 1

-Beacuse they help participants give clear, honest and detailed answers
-Well designed questions make the researchers more reliable and ensure the data actually addresses the study’s aim

Question 2

Why is clarity needed in questions?

Answer 2

-Questions should be easy to understand so participants know exactly what is being asked
-clear questions reduce confusion and make answers more reliable

Question 3

What are the main reasons for a lack of clarity in questioning?

Answer 3

1.Double Negative: questions involving two negatives, e.g. ‘Do you not disagree that…?’

2.Double-barrelled questions: asking two things at once, e.g. ‘Do you enjoy and feel confident in psychology?’

3. Ambiguity: questions without a clear meaning or that could be misinterpreted

Question 4

What should questions be like and why?

Answer 4

-Questions should be neutral and fair, avoiding leading or loaded wording.
-This prevents influencing participants’ answers and ensures the data is honest.

Question 5

4 Things that can increase bias in questioning:

Answer 5

1.Leading questions; wording that suggests a preferred answer
2.Loaded questions; making assumptions
3.Emotive language; using words that cause strong feelings
4.Social Desirability Bias; questions that male participants want to sound ‘good’ or socially acceptable

Question 6

What is analysis?

Answer 6

-Questions should be designed so the answers can be analysed to help answer the researcher aim.
-Clear and revelant questions make it easier to compare and intrepret responses.

Question 7

What are filler questions?

Answer 7

-Are neutral or lightly related questions included in an interview to disguise the true aim.

Question 8

What do filler questions help with?

Answer 8

-Help to reduce demand characteristics make the interview feel more natural, and give participants a short break between sensitive question.

Question 9

What is question sequencing?

Answer 9

-Question sequencing is the order of interview questions.
-Start with easy, general questions, move to personal or sensitive topics, and finish with lighter questions to leave participants relaxed.

Question 10

Why is choosing the right sampling method important?

Answer 10

-Because it affects how representative and reliable results are.

Question 11

What can a poor sample and a well-chosen sample give?

Answer 11

-May give biased or untrustworthy findings, while a well-chosen sample ensures the results reflect the wider population

Question 12

How can a pilot study help with question?

Answer 12

-As a pilot study is a small-scale trial run of a research study it can help to check that questions are clear, appropriate, and not distressing, and ensure that the procedure works smoothly.

Question 13

How do pilot studies make the research more reliable and ethical?

Answer 13

-By identifying problems before the main study

Question 14

Why do we record the interview?

Answer 14

-Audio/video captures the participants responses accurately.
-Reduces error (error can occur when relying on memory)
-Recording doesn’t disrupt the flow.
-Ensures data is reliable for interviewer.

Question 15

What is the effect of the interviewer on participants?

Answer 15

-The interviewer’s non verbal cues, such as nodding,frowning, or tone of voice, can influence how participants respond.
-Good listening skills help the participant feel understood, but the interviewer must remain neutral and attentive to avoid biasing answers.

Question 16

In unstructured interviews, the interviewer should ask what type of questions?

Answer 16

-Clear, open-ended questions to gather detailed responses

Question 17

What do gentle prompts encourage?

Answer 17

-Encourage participants to elaborate but these shouldn’t be used too much while, avoiding leading questions ensures that answers are genuine and unbiased.