Research Methods - Self-report

Question 1

Self-report design

Answer 1

Any method in which a person is asked to state their opinions

Question 2

Open questions

Answer 2

No fixed choice questions

Question 3

Closed questions

Answer 3

Fixed choice questions (yes/no)

Question 4

Structured interviews

Answer 4

Questions decided in advance & order stays the same for each participant

Question 5

Unstructured interviews

Answer 5

Conducted like a conversation & answers recorded audibly to not disrupt discussion

Question 6

Semi-structured interviews

Answer 6

Falls between the 2 types - structured questions that was more free-flowing

Question 7

Questionnaires

Question 8

Naturalistic observation

Answer 8

Observing & recording behaviour in a natural setting where it would occur without the researcher

Question 9

Controlled observation

Answer 9

Observing & recording behaviour in a controlled environment where variables are managed

Question 10

Covert observation

Answer 10

Behaviour observed without participant knowledge/consent

Question 11

Overt observation

Answer 11

Behaviour observed with participant knowledge/consent

Question 12

Participant observation

Answer 12

Researcher is a member of the group being observed

Question 13

Non-participant observation

Answer 13

Researcher is not a member of the group being observed

Question 14

Time sampling

Answer 14

Recorded behaviour in a fixed time frame (e.g. every 5 seconds)

Question 15

Event sampling

Answer 15

Recorded behaviour every time it occurs

Question 16

Strength of naturalistic observations

Answer 16

Ecological validity

Question 17

Limitation of naturalistic observations

Answer 17

Lacks control of variables (EVs) & hard to replicate

Question 18

Strengths of controlled observations

Answer 18

Better control of other variables
Easier to replicate

Question 19

Limitation of controlled observations

Answer 19

Low ecological validity

Question 20

Strength of overt observations

Answer 20

Ethical (informed consent)

Question 21

Limitation of overt observations

Answer 21

Demand characteristics arise from knowledge of aim

Question 22

Strengths of covert observations

Answer 22

Higher validity
Less demand characteristics

Question 23

Limitation of covert observations

Answer 23

Unethical (deception, lack of informed consent, lack of privacy)

Question 24

Strengths of participant observations

Answer 24

Lower risk of demand characteristics
Insider insight

Question 25

Limitations of participant observations

Answer 25

Ethical issues (deception)
Researcher bias
Difficult to subtly record behaviour

Question 26

Strengths of non-participant observations

Answer 26

Ethical
Objective view (less biased)

Question 27

Limitations of non-participant observations

Answer 27

Demand characteristics
Misinterpretation of communications

Question 28

Strength of event sampling

Answer 28

Useful for infrequent behaviour

Question 29

Limitation of event sampling

Answer 29

Must ensure details aren’t overlooked (which they may be if behaviour is complex)

Question 30

Strength of time sampling

Answer 30

Reduces amount needed for observation

Question 31

Limitation of time sampling

Answer 31

Unrepresentative of behaviour