Research methods - Self report techniques

Question 1

What is a questionnaire? Pros and cons?

Answer 1

Simple list of questions
+ Able to access a lot of participants via post or email
- Demand characteristics due to social desirability

Question 2

What is an interview? Strengths and limitations?

Answer 2

Asking questions face-to-face
+ Interviewer can explain questions if needed
+ Qualitative, in depth data gathered
+ Validity as rapport develops between researcher and interviewee
- Researcher bias from body language or general manner - hard to analyse
- Demand characteristics due to social desirability.

Question 3

What are the 2 types of interview?

Answer 3

Structured - similar format to questionnaires. There is a set list of questions that the interviewer will ask.

Unstructured - more like an everyday conversation, spontaneous follow up questions

Question 4

What are surveys? Pros and cons?

Answer 4

List of questions, can be delivered on paper, electronically , or conducted verbally
+Generalisable from large population sample
+ Easy to gather data and administer
- Not the same depth of detail as a case study
- Not always accurate answers because of demand characteristics due to social desirability.