Lesson 3: Self-Report Techniques

Question 1

self-report

Answer 1

when pps provide details of their own feelings, thoughts and/or behaviour to the researcher

Question 2

structured interview

Answer 2

• all pps asked the same questions in the same order
• provides quantitative data, which is data that can be counted or expressed numerically

Question 3

unstructured interview

Answer 3

• informal in depth conversation exchange between the interviewer and interviewee
• provides qualitative data

Question 4

semi-structured interview

Answer 4

• combines a mixture of structured and unstructured techniques
• qualitative and quantitative data

Question 5

interview advantages

Answer 5

• complicated or sensitive issues are best dealt with in an interview
• if pps misunderstand a question, it can be clarified

Question 6

interview disadvantages

Answer 6

• risk of interviewer effects (when the interviewer may inadvertently affect the respondents answers) which can be unintentional and may even be a result of the interviewers appearance, manner or gender
• risk of social desirability bias which is when people lie to present themselves in a positive light so the data would lack validity

Question 7

questionnaires

Answer 7

• written set of questions and instructions about how to record their answers
• mainly focus on individuals behaviour, opinions, beliefs and attitudes

Question 8

questionnaire advantages

Answer 8

• possible to collect a large amount of data relatively quickly and conveniently
• easy to score/collate when the questions are closed
• standardised so it is easy to replicate

Question 9

questionnaires disadvantages

Answer 9

• pps may misunderstand questions and researcher is not there to clarify
• can have a low response rate
• can have a biased sample as they are only suitable for people who can read and are willing and able to spend the time on them
• certain types of people will be more willing to fill in questionnaires and so the sample may not be representative of the target population

Question 10

writing good questions criteria

Answer 10

• clarity, no ambiguity
• bias, social desire ability bias especially if the questions are socially sensitive
• analysis, must be easy to analyse

Question 11

writing good questionnaires criteria

Answer 11

• filler questions (irrelevant qs) to distract respondent of main purpose of questionnaire to reduce risk for demand characteristics
• sequence of questions, start with easy questions, and save ones that might make people anxious or defensive for later
• sampling technique, the technique used could lead to a biased sample, stratified sampling often used
• pilot study, questions can be tested on a small group of people and may be refined if any difficulties encountered