Research Methods -> Self-Report Methods Flashcards
Questionnaires
These can be written, face to face, on the phone, via the internet and through the post. There are generally two types of questions asked in questionnaires;
Open questions:
Require a lengthy answer and generate qualitative data
Closed questions:
Require one worded answers. These generate quantitative data.
Strength of questionnaires
Cheap, as you don’t need trained people to give the questionnaires as you would need in an interview
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Large sample can be asked, meaning that your results will be representative hence you can then generalise
Weaknesses of questionnaires
People can show demand characteristics
People will show social desirability bias
Strengths of open questions
Respondents can expand on their answers which increases the amount of detail of information collected
Weaknesses of open questions
Open questions can produce qualitative data which is more difficult to summarise because there is likely to be such a wide range of responses – this then limits the researcher to establishing trends or patterns because the data is so detailed and differentiated
Strengths of closed questions
The data collected is quantitative. This type of data makes it easy to analyse the results statistically or in a graphical format.
Weaknesses of closed questions
By sticking to a predetermined list of questions, the researcher is unable to pursue and explore responses that are of particular interest. Additionally, closed questions often produce a response bias. This means that the data generated may lack internal validity.
Strength of structured interview
Quick and cost effective as can gather a large sample
Weakness of structured interview
Not enough detail therefore limited analysis
Strength of unstructured interview
Participants will be more honest as they feel relaxed
Weakness of unstructured interview
Participants may go off the topic and waste time
Strength of semi-structured interview
Lots of data will be gathered in terms of both qualitative and quantitative
Weakness of semi-structured interview
Interviewer bias may occur when the interview asks questions in a certain way
Strength of clinical interview
Really get to understand how the person is feeling
Weakness of clinical interview
Unethical – person may feel uncomfortable when questioned so intensely
Structured
Set questions with closed answers
Unstructured
Not set questions – it is like a casual conversation
Semi- structured
Some open and some closed questions
Clinical
Questions are based on the previous answer given
