Self-Report: Technique & Design Flashcards
What is a questionnaire?
Questionnaires are type of self-report technique where participants provide information relating to their thoughts. It has pre-set list of questions, either closed or open or both.
What is an open question
It is a question that does not have to have a fixed range of
answers, and it qualitative
What is a closed question
It is a question that does have a fixed range of answers, and it is usually easier to analyse but may lack the depth and detail associated with open question
What is an example of an open question
Do you believe that stress can cause illness, explain your answer?
What is an example of an closed question
Do you believe in god?
What is a check list?
Where participants tick the answer(s) that apply to them.
What is a Likert response?
It is where participants rate on a scale their views/opinions on a question.
What is a Ranking scale?
It is where participants place a list of items in their preferred order.
What are the strengths of questionaries?
Quick- large amounts of info can be gathered in a short period.
Replication- standardised questions are easy to replicate, particularly closed questions.
Quantitative (numerical data) and qualitative (written data) analysis.
Lack of investigator effects- questionnaires can be completed without researchers present.
What are the negatives of questionaries?
Misunderstanding- participants may misinterpret questions.
Biased samples- certain types of people may be more willing to fill questionnaires- may not be representative.
They get very low return rates
Superficial issues- questionnaires and closed questions in particular. are not suitable for sensitive issues
Social desirability bias- p’s may lie in order to give answers that are expected of them.
What are the strengths of interviews?
Complex issues: complicated and sensitive issues can be dealt with face to face, making p’s feel relaxed and able to talk.
Ease misunderstandings: any misunderstood questions can be explained and individual questions can be adapted.
Data analysis: quantitative (numerical) data can be easily analysed.
Replication: the more standardised and structured the interview is, the easier it is to replicate.
What are the weaknesses of Interviews
Interviewer effects: interviewers may unconsciously bias answers. Example- women may be less willing to talk about sex with male interviewers.
Interview training: a lot of skill is required, such interviewers are hard to find.
Ethical issues: p’s may not know the purpose of an interview, there is also danger that p’s may reveal more than they wish.
Participant answers: interviews are not suited to p’s who have difficulty putting their feelings/opinions into words.
What are the three types of interview
Structured, Unstructured and mixed
What is a structured interview
It is where the questions have been decided in advance and they are asked in exactly the same order for each interviewee.
What is a unstructured interview
It is conducted more like a conversation, with the interviewer facilitating the discussion rather than asking set questions. Very little is decided in advance (only the topic).
