self report: questionnaire

Question 1

questionnaire

Answer 1

• questionnaires are a set of questions used to assess a persons thoughts and experiences
• usually gathered from large numbers of people
• carried out on selected samples of people
• may include a mixture of both open and closed questions

Question 2

what are open questions?

Answer 2

questions with a range of answers that are not restricted by the researcher e.g. how are you feeling?

Question 3

what are closed questions?

Answer 3

questions with possible answers that are determined by the researcher e.g. do you prefer chocolate or sweets?
various types of these and are best asked when factual information is required

Question 4

advantages of questionnaire

Answer 4

• cost effective - cheap to distribute
• no demand characteristics - no researcher present
• researcher does not need to be present - practically easier
• straightforward to analyse - statistical form

Question 5

disadvantages of questionnaire

Answer 5

• leading questions - leads to unreliable data
• social desirability bias - still like to appear in a positive way
• misunderstanding questions - problems for reliability

Question 6

summary of questionnaire

Answer 6

• clarity - questions need to be clear so that the reader understands what is being asked
• bias - leading questions might lead to desirability bias (when respondents choose to portray themselves in a positive way)
• sequencing for the questions - start with earlier questions until respondent is more relaxed