Research Methods - Self-report techniques

Question 1

Questionnaires

Answer 1

A research instrument made of a series of written questions designed to collect information from participants
- on paper, online or via text

Question 2

open questions

Answer 2

questions that allow respondents to answer in their words
-qualitative data
-respondents give as much/little detail as they want

Question 3

strengths of open Qs

Answer 3

more detail
more accurate -increases validity

Question 4

limitations of open Qs

Answer 4

difficult to analyse
cannot be statistically compared

Question 5

closed Qs

Answer 5

provides respondents with a set of pre-determined answers
-quant data
-4 types: forced/fixed choice, likert scale, semantic differential and rating scale

Question 6

forced/fixed choices

Answer 6

limited range of answers to choose from
E.G. yes/no

Question 7

strengths of f/f choices

Answer 7

easy to analyse
can statistically compare

Question 8

limitations of f/f choices

Answer 8

no detail
doesn’t reflect true feelings -decreases validity

Question 9

likert scale

Answer 9

level of dis/agreement with a statement on a multi-point scale
E.G.
strongly disagree>disagree>neutral<agree<strongly agree

Question 10

strengths of likert scale

Answer 10

more understanding of respondent’s opinion
easy to analyse and compare

Question 11

limitations of likert scale

Answer 11

central-tendency bias (choosing middle choice consstently)

Question 12

semantic differential

Answer 12

rate a concept on a scale between 2 bi-polar (opposite) adjectives
E.G.
rate _____ on this scale
effective - - - - - ineffective

Question 13

strengths of semantic differential

Answer 13

more understanding of respondent’s opinion
easy to analyse and compare

Question 14

limitations of semantic differential

Answer 14

central-tendency bias
subjective (can be interpreted differently)

Question 15

rating scale

Answer 15

assign a value (usually numerical) to show assessment of experience

Question 16

strengths of rating scale

Answer 16

more understanding of respondent’s opinion
easy to analyse and compare

Question 17

limitations of rating scale

Answer 17

no detail
central tendency bias
subjective

Question 18

questionnaire do’s

Answer 18

brief Ps b4 questionnaire
the purpose and use of data is clear
no ambiguous Qs
simple lang is needed

Question 19

questionnaire don’ts

Answer 19

overlapping choices
ask personal details
technical terms that can cause confusion

Question 20

stages of questionnaire development

Answer 20

1- attitude/behaviours they want to investigate/measure
2- quant/qual data
3- run a pilot study
4- modify questionnaire due to pilot study results

Question 21

strengths of questionnaires

Answer 21

cheap + quick to gather large amount of data
anonymous results increase honesty and therefore validity

Question 22

limitations of questionnaires

Answer 22

social desirability
can lack generalisability
poorly designed Qs create flaws

Question 23

interviews

Answer 23

researchers asks Ps Qs to collect info on their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and experiences
- done on call/in person
- individual or group

Question 24

structured interviews

Answer 24

predetermined set of Qs in set order
- ensures reliability

Question 25

strengths of structured interviews

Answer 25

collect useful demographic data can be checked for reliability easy to analyse+compare

Question 26

limitations of structured interviews

Answer 26

doesn't allow expanded respond **-reduce validity** not ecologically valid

Question 27

semi-structured interviews

Answer 27

guided framework/Qs - spontaneous follow-up Qs if interviewer thinks needed

Question 28

strengths of semi-structured interviews

Answer 28

more detailed, in-depth data

Question 29

limitations of semi-structured interviews

Answer 29

highly trained interviewer **-costs money** only reliable to certain extent (differing follow-up Qs) subjective

Question 30

unstructured interviews

Answer 30

set topic with no set Qs more conversational led by interviewee but led by interviewer explores topic in detail

Question 31

strengths of unstructured interviews

Answer 31

more detailed, in-depth data less demand characteristics ecological validity

Question 32

limitations of unstructured interviews

Answer 32

not replicable **therefore unreliable** subjective time-consuming needs trained interviewer **(costs money)**

Question 33

strength of interviews

Answer 33

collect data on mental state allows Ps to freely express themselves provides detailed info

Question 34

limitations of interviews

Answer 34

time consuming - compared to questionnaires investigator effects less valid due to social desirablilties

Question 35

what is a self-report?

Answer 35

questionnaires and interviews

Question 36

strengths of self-reports

Answer 36

detail on thoughts and feelings

Question 37

limitations of self-reports

Answer 37

social desirability **- lacks validity**