RM self report techniques Flashcards
what are questionnaires
- involve a pre-set list of written questions to which the participant responds to
- may be used in an experiment to assess the dependent variable
what is an open questionnaire
does not have a fixed range of answers and allows respondents to answer in a way they wish
- tend to produce qualitative data
what is a closed questionnaire
has a fixed set of questions which participants must answer
- can be both qualitative and quantitative data
what are structured interviews
- made up of pre-determined questions that are asked in a fixed order
- think of it as a questionnaire but face-to-face
what are unstructured interviews
there are no set questions and the interaction between interviewer and interviewee is free-flowing
- interviewer expands on what the individual is saying
what are semi-structured interviews
this is a list of questions that have been worked out in advance but interviewers are also free to ask follow up questions when appropriate
Strengths of questionniares
- they are cost effective as they can be distributed to a large number of people
- can be completed without the researcher being present which reduces the effort involved
limitations of questionnaires
- responses given may not always be truthful as respondents may want to present themselves in a positive light which may influence their answer
- often produce a response bias where respondents reply in a similar way
strengths of structured interviews
- straightforward to replicate due to standardised formats
limitations of structured interviews
- it is not possible to deviate from the topic or elaborate their points
strengths of unstructured interviews
- much more flexibility than a structured interview
- interviewer can follow up on points as they arise which allows for more insight
limitations of structured interviews
- analysis is difficult as the researcher has to sift through lots of information
- risk that interviewees may lie for reasons of social desirability
