D2b1 Evaluating questionnaires

Question 1

Response bias

Answer 1

the patterns that participants fall into when answering a questionnaire, for example always saying “yes” or trying to guess the aim

Question 2

Social desirability bias

Answer 2

when participants give the answers they think will be acceptable to other people, to make themselves look better

Question 3

Strengths of questionnaires

Answer 3

Standardised instructions- prevents researcher influencing answers, make sure independent control is the only thing affecting the dependent
Informed consent- can easily get informed consent for personal questions. The start of questionnaire gives enough info to decide whether you want to participate
Right to withdraw- can be printed on the front
Represents real life- can as about attitudes, and people can describe daily life activities.

Question 4

Weaknesses of questionnaires

Answer 4

Response bias- they may guess aim, always give same answer, or try and give answer researchers want
Social desirability bias- as they know someone will read answers, participants may give socially acceptable answers, even if unconsciously.
Hiding aims- researchers may need to avoid participants knowing the aims of study to prevent bias in responses