self report design

Question 1

what are the three different types of questionnaires?

Answer 1

• likert scale
• rating scales
• fixed-choice option

Question 2

explain what a Likert scale is

Answer 2

• is one in which the respondent indicates their agreement (or otherwise) with a statement
• using a scale of usually five points.
• The scale ranges from strongly agree to strongly disagree

Question 3

explain what a rating scales type of questionnaire is

Answer 3

• works in a similar way to a Likert scale
• gets respondents to identify a value that represents their strength of feeling about a particular topic

Question 4

explain what a fixed choice option is of a questionnaire

Answer 4

• includes a list of possible options
• respondents are required to indicate those that apply to them

Question 5

what needs to be included when designing interviews

Answer 5

• most interviews include an interview schedule, which is a list of questions that the interviewer tends to cover. This should be standardised to reduce the contaminating effect of interviewer bias.
• typically the interviewer will take notes throughout the interview or alternatively, the interview may be recorded and analysed later
• interviews usually consist of an interviewer and a single participant, though group interviews may be appropriate especially in clinical settings.
• in the case of a one-to-one interviews, the interviewer should conduct the interview in a quiet room, away from other people, as this will increase the likelihood that the interviewee will open up.
• it is good practice to begin the interview with some neutral questions to make the interviewee feel relaxed and comfortable, and as a way of establishing rapport
• interviewees should be reminded on several occasions that their answers will be treated in the strictest confidence . Tjis is especially important if the interview includes topics that may be personal or sensitive.

Question 6

explain the ways to writing good questions

Answer 6

clarity is essential when designing questionnaires and interviews. if respondents are confused or misinterpret particular questions, this will have a negative impact on the quality of information received.

Question 7

what are the common errors in question design that should be avoided where possible?

Answer 7

• overuse of jargon: this refers to technical terms that are only familiar to those within a specialised field or area. To a layperson it would be highly confusing. It is also unnecessarily complex - the best questions are simple and easy to understand.
• emotive language and leading questions: a researcher’s attitude towards a particular topic is clear from the way in which the question is phrased. Words should have neutral connotations and shouldn’t guide the respondent towards a particular answer. Don’t also make assumptions as it will elicit a particular response from the respondent.
• double-barrelled questions and double negatives: a double barrelled question contains two questions in one, the issue here is therefore respondents may agree with one half of the question and not the other half. It can be much more straightforward.