L3 - Self-Report Techniques

Question 1

What is self report?

Answer 1

When participants provide details of their own feelings, thoughts and behaviour to the researcher

Question 2

Structured Interview

Answer 2

• All participants are asked the same questions in the same order.
• This provides quantitive data, which is data that can be counted or expressed numerically.

Question 3

Unstructured Interview

Answer 3

• An informal in depth conversational exchange between the interviewer and the interviewee.
• This provides qualitative data, non-numerical data that uses words to give a description of what people think/feel.

Question 4

Semi-structured Interview

Answer 4

• Combines a mixture of structured and unstructured techniques.

Question 5

Advantages of Interviews

Answer 5

1. Complicated or sensitive issues are best dealt with in an interview
2. If participants misunderstand a question this can be clarified

Question 6

Disadvantages of Interviews

Answer 6

1. There is risk of interviewer effect. (This is when the interview may unintentionally affect the respondent’s answer)
2. There is risk of social desirability bias. (When somebody lies to present themselves in a positive light). This can decrease validity.
3. Training is required for interviewers, and the process can be very time consuming/expensive.

Question 7

Advantages of Questionnaires

Answer 7

1. Easy to collect large amounts of data relatively quickly and conveniently
2. Easy to score/collate when the questions are closed
3. They are standardised so easy to replicate

Question 8

Disadvantages of Questionnaires

Answer 8

1. Participants may misunderstand questions and the researcher is not there to clarify
2. They have low response rates
3. May have a biased sample as they are only suitable for people who can read and have time to complete the questionnaire. Therefore, sample may not be representative of the target population