Scientific processes (Questionnaire construction)

Question 1

Open questions

Answer 1

This allows participants to answer how they wish to generate qualitative data which provides detailed data

Question 2

Closed questions

Answer 2

Restricts the participant to a predetermined set of responses and generate quantitative data

Question 3

Strength of Open question

Answer 3

• Less chance of researcher bias and detailed answers obtained

Question 4

Limitation of Open question

Answer 4

• Participant may answer in a socially desirable way, making answers less valid

Question 5

Strength of Closed question

Answer 5

• Easy to analyse quantitative data, discover trends and replicate research

Question 6

Limitation of Closed question

Answer 6

• Predetermined list of questions limits response ability to explore interesting answers.
• Response bias

Question 7

Structured interviews

Answer 7

They have questions decided on in advance and they are asked in exactly the same order for each interviewee taking part

Question 8

Unstructured interviews

Answer 8

They are conducted more like a conversation with the interviewer only facilitating the discussion rather than asking set questions

Question 9

Semi structured interviews

Answer 9

Comprise of mostly prepared questions that have additional questions as seen fit by the interviewer at the time

Question 10

Strength of structured interview

Answer 10

• Easier to analyse quantitative data; discover trends

Question 11

Limitation of structured interview

Answer 11

• Increased risk of investigator effects

Question 12

Strength of unstructured interview

Answer 12

• Less chance of demand characteristics and investigator effects

Question 13

Limitation of unstructured interview

Answer 13

• Difficult to analyse qualitative data; time consuming and expensive

Question 14

Strength of semi-structured interview

Answer 14

• Rich and interesting qualitative data; less chance of social desirability bias

Question 15

Limitations of semi-structured interview

Answer 15

• Higher chance of demand characteristics in comparison to unstructured interviews