*Self Report Techniques

Question 1

What are the most common self-report techniques?

Answer 1

Questionnaires

Questionnaires involve a preset list of questions and may be used to assess the dependent variable.

Question 2

What is a characteristic of open questions?

Answer 2

Doesn’t have a fixed range of answers

Respondents can answer in any way they want, producing qualitative data that can be difficult to analyze.

Question 3

What are the three types of interviews?

Answer 3

• Structured interview
• Unstructured interviews
• Semi-structured interviews

Each type has distinct characteristics regarding question format and flexibility.

Question 4

What is a structured interview?

Answer 4

Pre-determined questions in a fixed order

It is a face-to-face questionnaire conducted in real-time.

Question 5

What is an unstructured interview?

Answer 5

A lot like a conversation with no set questions

The general aim is to discuss a certain topic with free-flowing interactions.

Question 6

What defines a semi-structured interview?

Answer 6

Pre-determined list of questions with follow-up questions

This format allows for some flexibility while maintaining a structure.

Question 7

List some strengths of questionnaires.

Answer 7

• Cost effective
• Can gather a lot of data quickly
• Can be completed without a researcher present
• Low effort involved
• Produces easy-to-analyze data
• Easy to make comparisons

These strengths make questionnaires a popular choice in research.

Question 8

What are some limitations of questionnaires?

Answer 8

• Responses aren’t always truthful
• Participants may display social desirability
• May produce response bias

These limitations can affect the validity of the data collected.

Question 9

What is a key strength of structured interviews?

Answer 9

Easy to replicate

This feature helps in maintaining consistency across different interviews.

Question 10

What is a limitation of structured interviews?

Answer 10

Impossible for interviewers to deviate from the topic

This restriction can limit the richness of the data collected.

Question 11

What are some strengths of unstructured interviews?

Answer 11

• Much more flexibility
• Interviewers can follow up on points
• Gains insight into interviewees’ thoughts and feelings

This flexibility allows for a deeper understanding of the participant’s perspective.

Question 12

What are some limitations of unstructured interviews?

Answer 12

• Can lead to interviewer bias
• Analyzing the data isn’t easy
• Might be lots of irrelevant data to sort through

These challenges can complicate the analysis process.

Question 13

What is a Likert scale?

Answer 13

Respondent indicates agreement with a statement on a scale

Typically, it features a 5-point or sometimes 7-point scale.

Question 14

How do rating scales differ from Likert scales?

Answer 14

Rating scales contain questions

Respondents identify a value that represents how strongly they feel about a topic.

Question 15

What are fixed choice options?

Answer 15

Includes a list of possible options for respondents to indicate which apply to them

This format provides a clear framework for responses.

Question 16

What is an interview schedule?

Answer 16

A list of questions the interviewer intends to cover

It needs to be standardized to reduce interviewer bias.

Question 17

What should be considered when designing questionnaires?

Answer 17

• Usually conducted with one interviewer and one interviewee
• Sometimes group interviews are used
• Conduct in a quiet room
• Start with neutral questions

These practices help create a comfortable environment for participants.

Question 18

What are some guidelines for writing good questions?

Answer 18

• Clear questions are essential
• Don’t use jargon
• Avoid emotive language
• Avoid leading questions
• Avoid double-barreled questions
• Avoid double negatives

These guidelines help ensure clarity and reduce confusion in responses.