research method (self-report) Flashcards
Definition of questionnaire
Written method of cleaning data through a set of question
Definition of interview
Direct verbal questioning of the subject by a researcher to gain data
Three. Types of interview
Structured
Semistructured
Unstructured
Definition of structured interview
An interview in which there are a fixed set of questions that are asked to everyone, in the same order, with no deviation.
Closed question are often used with the interview. We picking the answer that is closest to their own view.
Strength and weakness of structured interview
highly standardised (as exactly the same questions are asked for each interviewee). –High reliability, or participants have the same experience
Allows for an easy comparison between the responses of each interviewee due to quantitated data
Restrictive
May missed out some useful information , it’s closed. Question is used.
Low, ecological validity
Definition of semistructured interview
An interview in which there are a few set questions that are asked of each participant, but the interviewer is able to then ask follow-up questions based on responses from the interviewe
Weakness and strength of semistructured interview
Higher ecological validity
Some quantitated data to easily analyse and compare results
Qualitative data collected
Allows the researcher clarify certain answers from the interviewee and to go deeper into their responses
Allows some degree of consistency in the procedure for each interviewee as each person is asked the same initial questions.
Reliability may not be high. Participants may have vary experience.
Harder to compare between participant
Definition of unstructured interview
An interview where there is a topic or theme to be discussed but no set questions which have been planned in advance.
Weakness and strength of unstructured interview
Higher ecological validity
Higher Rapports between participants and researcher , high validity of answer
Lots of detailed qualitative data collected
The interviewer is not restricted in what he/she can ask as there are no set questions to ask.
This could generate a wider range of interesting responses and more detail to understand the participant’s attitudes and thoughts on the topic compared to the other methods.
Low reliability
Broad range of topics, covered so hard to summarise and analysed
Hard to compare between participant
Time consuming
strength and weakness of questionnaire
Enable great deal of data to be gathered from a large sample quickly (cost and time effective)
Standardised question are consistent and same for all participants
Easier to analyse and compare (close question, convert to quantitated data )
Difficult to ask the right question in the right way (miss interpretation, leading question)
Need to Frame the question carefully using language the respondent will understand
Limited depth
Lack flexibility for a clarification
Social desirability bias , not answering truthfully, but answering what is right at a better light
Advantage And disadvantage of interview
Produce extensive information
Follow-up question for extra insight in thought
For people who can’t write or express feeling on paper (increase quality by probing/rephrase question better)
Allowed clarification to have a better understanding
Building connection with interviewees can encourage openess and detailed response
Difficult to analyse lots of information (some irrelevant,), so it’s hard to draw a conclusion and compare
Researcher bias , conclusion drawn, based on researchers preconceived idea, not what respondor meant
Less comfortable, revealing by chat, especially for sensitive or distressed topic , limited information, collected station to review true feeling when people sitting in front of them
Limited sample size , number of interfield conduct is limited compared to questionnaire
Resource intensive (time/effort/organise/conduct/analyses)
strength and weakness of self report
It allows researchers to get an insight into the participants’ attitudes and feelings about a particular topic or concept.
It is beneficial when investigating internal processes like memory which cannot be observed.
There can be a risk of participants being dishonest in their responses due to demand characteristics or social desirability.
how to test the reliability of self report
You can test internal reliability using a split-half method
This involves splitting the questions in two (e.g. first half vs. second half, even vs. odd number questions)
Then comparing responses between the two halves to see if they are consistent
external reliability Can be examined with the test-retest method
Giving the same questionnaire to participants at different points in time
If they respond in the same way, the results are consistent