Scientific processes (Questionnaire construction) Flashcards
Open questions
This allows participants to answer how they wish to generate qualitative data which provides detailed data
Closed questions
Restricts the participant to a predetermined set of responses and generate quantitative data
Strength of Open question
- Less chance of researcher bias and detailed answers obtained
Limitation of Open question
- Participant may answer in a socially desirable way, making answers less valid
Strength of Closed question
- Easy to analyse quantitative data, discover trends and replicate research
Limitation of Closed question
- Predetermined list of questions limits response ability to explore interesting answers.
- Response bias
Structured interviews
They have questions decided on in advance and they are asked in exactly the same order for each interviewee taking part
Unstructured interviews
They are conducted more like a conversation with the interviewer only facilitating the discussion rather than asking set questions
Semi structured interviews
Comprise of mostly prepared questions that have additional questions as seen fit by the interviewer at the time
Strength of structured interview
- Easier to analyse quantitative data; discover trends
Limitation of structured interview
- Increased risk of investigator effects
Strength of unstructured interview
- Less chance of demand characteristics and investigator effects
Limitation of unstructured interview
- Difficult to analyse qualitative data; time consuming and expensive
Strength of semi-structured interview
- Rich and interesting qualitative data; less chance of social desirability bias
Limitations of semi-structured interview
- Higher chance of demand characteristics in comparison to unstructured interviews
