self report design Flashcards
what type of questions can be divided into different types ?
closed questions
define likert scales
respondents can indicate the extent which they agree or disagree with a statement using a scale of 5 points
give an example of likert scale
statement: zombie films can have an educational value
strongly agree - 1
agree - 2
neutral - 3
disagree - 4
strongly disagree - 5
define rating scales
respondents identify a value that represents their strength of feeling about a particular topic
give an example of rating scales
Q: how entertaining do you find zombie films ? (circle the number that applies to you )
very entertaining 1-5 not at all entertaining
define fixed choice option
item includes a list of all possible options and respondents are required to indicate those that apply to them
give an example of fixed choice option
Q: for what reasons do you watch zombie films (tick all those that apply)
- entertainment
- amusement
- to escape
- education
- to be frightened
- to please others
what do most interviews follow and what is it ?
an interview schedule which is the list of questions that the interviewer tends to cover
why should the interview schedule by standardised for each participant ?
as it will reduce the contaminating effect of interviewer bias
what would the interviewer do throughout the interview ?
take notes
what may the interview alternatively do ?
may record the interview and analyse later
when would group interviews be appropriate ?
in a clinical setting
where would the interviewer conduct a one to one interview and why ?
in a quiet room as it would increase the likelihood the interviewee will open up
what would be good to begin with in an interview ?
some neutral questions to make the participants feel relaxed and comfortable
–> a way of establishing a rapport.
what would the interviewees be reminded of ?
their answers will be treated in the strictest confidence (especially important if the interview includes topic hat may be personal or sensitive)
what is key when writing questionnaires and interviews and why ?
clarity because if respondents are confused or misinterpret particular questions this could have a negative impact on the quality of the information received
what should be avoided where possible ?
common errors in question design
define jargon
refers to technical terms that are only familiar to those within a specialised field or area
give an example of a jargon used in a question and what is wrong with it ?
do you agree that maternal deprivation in infanthood inevitably
leads to affectionless psychopathy in later life?
- psychology specialist would know all about MD but to the layperson this would be confusing
what features do the best questions have ?
simple and easily understood
what happens sometimes with the way in which the question is phrased ?
the author’s attitude towards a particular topic is clear
give example of emotive language used
- Boxing is a barbaric sport and any sane person would want it
banned.
what’s wrong with the phrases above ?
the words are emotive and should be replaced with more neutral alternatives
give example of leading question used
- Is it not obvious that student fees should be abolished?
