Lesson 3 Self Report Techniques

Question 1

Self Report Techniques

Answer 1

Self-report techniques are research methods in which participants give information about themselves without researcher interference. The participants self-report information possibly without the researcher being present for some of the techniques.

Question 2

Interviews

Answer 2

Interviews involve researchers asking questions in face-to-face situations. There are three main types of interviews.

Question 3

Three main Types of Interviews

Answer 3

Structured, Unstructured and Semi-Structured

Question 4

Structured Interviews

Answer 4

All participants are asked the same questions in the same order.

This provides quantitative data, which is data that can be counted or expressed numerically.

It usually consists of closed questions that have restricted answers e.g. Do you agree with recycling? (Yes, No, Don’t know)

Question 5

Advantages of Structed Interviews

Answer 5

1. If participants misunderstand a question this can be clarified in an interview so that the question can be repeated and clarified to help aid understanding.
2. Structured interviews are usually quite quick compared to unstructured interviews. Structured interviews consist of closed questions that require a quick yes or no answer which is less time consuming that conducting an unstructured interview

Question 6

Disadvantages of Structured Interviews

Answer 6

1. There is a risk of interviewer effects (when the interviewer may inadvertently affect respondent’s answers). This can be unintentional and may even be a result of the interviewer’s appearance, manner or gender. This will affect the data collected which might be invalid
2. Structured interviews lack quality and in depth data. The answers are restrictive and factual but lack meaning and depth, therefore the results might be invalid and might not accurately be measuring the key variables stated in the aim

Question 7

Unstructured Interviews

Answer 7

An informal in-depth conversational exchange between the interviewer and interviewee.

Questions are not pre planned, but might consist of themes that the interviewer wants to discuss.

This provides qualitative data, non numerical data that uses words to give a description of what people think and feel.

It usually consists of open questions that require an in depth answers about opinions, e.g. “What are your views about recycling?”

Question 8

Advantages of Unstructured Interviews

Answer 8

1. An advantage of unstructured interviews is that they are very useful with investigating sensitive or controversial topics and might be a better research method than questionnaires. Unstructured interviews allow for probing of information to gain a real understanding of the topic being investigated.
2. Feel more relaxed and willing to talk
3. Can gain rich and detailed data that is high in validity

Question 9

Disadvantages of Unstructured Interviews

Answer 9

1. There is a risk of social desirability bias (when people lie to present themselves in a positive light, particularly when discussing issues that may be socially sensitive). Therefore the results might not be very valid or accurate
2. Interviewers need to be well trained in order to accurately conduct an unstructured interview and to gain relevant data. This can be time consuming and expensive in order to ensure the correct training is carried out. More training is needed for an unstructured interview than a structured interview.

Question 10

Semi-Structured Interviews

Answer 10

This type of interview combines a mixture of structured and unstructured techniques producing both quantitative and qualitative data.

It will consist of both closed questions and open questions.

Some of the questions will be pre planned and then later on in the interview there will be themes that the researcher might want to discuss.

Question 11

Advantages of Semi-Structured Interviews

Answer 11

1. Both Qualitative and Quantitative data, so you have a more detailed report
2. Researcher can get a good relationship with the interviewee

Question 12

Disadvantages of Semi-Structured Interviews

Answer 12

1. Difficult to group both Quantitative and Qualitative data
2. Might be irrelevant and might not be linked to the interview topic

Question 13

Questionnaires

Answer 13

Participants are given a written set of questions and instructions about how to record their answers. Questionnaires mainly focus on the individual’s behaviour, opinions, beliefs and attitudes.

Questionnaires can be self administered, delivered by post, internet or face to face.

Question 14

Things to consider when developing a questionnaire

Answer 14

1. Type of Data - Qualitative or Quantitative, Open or closed questions
2. Ambiguity - avoid questions and answer options which are not clearly defined
3. Double barrelled Questions
4. Leading questions
5. Complexity

Question 15

Closed Questions

Answer 15

Require participants to answer yes/no or choose from fixed responses (quantitative data).

Question 16

Open Questions

Answer 16

Allow the participant to answer in their own words (qualitative data).

Question 17

Advantages of Questionnaires

Answer 17

1. Questionnaires are quick, easy, and relatively cheap compared to interviews. It is possible to have a large sample and collect a large amount of data when using a questionnaires compared to another research method such as an unstructured interview
2. Questionnaires (especially structured questionnaires) are very easy to replicate and this means their reliability can be established. This means that if the questionnaire was to be repeated, the same results would be gained on the second questionnaire. This indicates high reliability.

Question 18

Disadvantages of Questionnaires

Answer 18

1. Questions can be ambiguous and the wording might not be clear. If the researcher is not there to explain the questions it means that they might be misunderstand or participants could misinterpret the questions. This could lead to invalid data collection
2. Questionnaires can have a low response rate especially if they are sent by the post and need to be returned. Also if there is no researcher present to remind participants to fill in the questionnaire and return it, many questionnaires might end up being unanswered OR filled in and not returned.