9.1.5 - Questionnaires and interviews

Question 1

Define the term ‘questionnaire’.

Answer 1

A type of self-report data useful for surveying attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that can provide both quantitative and qualitative data

Question 2

Define the term ‘open-ended question’.

Answer 2

A question that invites the participant to respond in any way - in their own words - in order to produce detailed qualitative data

Question 3

What are the 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage of open-ended questions?

Answer 3

Advantages:
- Produces qualitative data consisting of rich insights - high internal validity
- Gives participants greater autonomy to elaborate

Disadvantage:
Subjective interpretation - qualitative data is difficult to analyse

Question 4

Define the term ‘closed-ended question’.

Answer 4

A question which limits participants’ responses to produce quantitative data

Question 5

What is the advantage and disadvantage of closed-ended questions?

Answer 5

Advantage:
Objective and standardised analysis of responses

Disadvantage:
Fixed responses lack rich details - low internal validity

Question 6

Define the term ‘structured interview’. (2 points)

Answer 6

An interview where the interviewer has a pre-written set of questions which they do not deviate from

All participants are asked the same questions in the same order

Question 7

What are the 2 advantages of structured interviews?

Answer 7

High reliability - all respondents are asked exactly the same questions in the same order

Accessible and generalisable to a larger target population

Question 8

What is the disadvantage of structured interviews? (2 points)

Answer 8

Low internal validity - lacks rich details

The interview is not flexible and impromptu questions cannot be asked as a schedule must be followed

Question 9

Define the term ‘unstructured interview’. (2 points)

Answer 9

Interview with no set questions - interviewer may have some general questions in mind

Has flexibility to pick up on issues in the participant’s comments and for them to expand on their responses

Question 10

What are the 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage of unstructured interviews?

Answer 10

Advantages:
Qualitative data provides rich insight

Increasedinternal validity - interviewer can probe for a deeper understanding

Disadvantages:
Subjective interpretation - qualitative data is difficult to analyse

Question 11

Define the term ‘semi-structured interview’. (2 points)

Answer 11

An interview with a set of pre-determined questions where the respondent is free to expand on their responses

The interviewee is free to ask follow up questions as and when deemed necessary