Self-Report Techniques

Question 1

self report technique

Answer 1

any method where a person is asked to give their opinions/feelings/experiences/behaviours in relation to a particular topic (non experimental)
- two types: questionnaires, interviews

Question 2

questionnaires

Answer 2

pps record answers to a pre-set list of questions concerning their opinions/feelings/experiences/behaviours
- 2 types: open question, closed question

Question 3

open question questionnaires

Answer 3

(qualitative data) allows pps to answer questions in their own words, free to answer however they wish to

Question 4

open: strength

Answer 4

rich in depth + detail
useful for sensitive topics

Question 5

open: weakness

Answer 5

difficult to turn into statistical data
more difficult to analyse

Question 6

closed question questionnaires

Answer 6

(quantitative data) restricts pps to answering from fixed responses
- rating scales: pps identify value that represents their feeling about a topic (e.g. 1-10)
- fixed choice scales: lists possible options and pps chose from these only

Question 7

closed: strength

Answer 7

easy to analyse and compare data

Question 8

closed: weakness

Answer 8

lacks depth and detail
limits answers: frustrating for pps

Question 9

construction of questionnaires

Answer 9

clarity - questions should be concise, unambiguous, understandable
avoid emotive language - can cause biases + effect validity of results
sequencing questions - easy qus before hard to build confidence
filler questions - irrelevant questions to distract pp of true intentions of study to avoid demand characteristics
pilot study - carried out to ensure the questionnaire is suitable and if changes need to be made

Question 10

questionnaire: strength

Answer 10

cost-effective
time-effective
easy to analyse
no investigator effects
usually anonymous: reflects true opinions
replicability

Question 11

questionnaire: weakness

Answer 11

social desirability
participant variables
pps may misinterpret qus

Question 12

interviews

Answer 12

pps answer questions in a face to face situation
- two types: structured, unstructured

Question 13

structured interview

Answer 13

set of predetermined (closed) qus being asked during the interview

Question 14

structured: strength

Answer 14

can standardise (closed questions)
easily replicable
easy comparisons
depth and detail through lots of data

Question 15

structured: weakness

Answer 15

interviewer bias (body language, listening skills)
social desirability bias

Question 16

unstructured interview

Answer 16

no predetermined questions, instead questions develop as the interview goes on - informal discussion on a chosen topic

Question 17

unstructured: strength

Answer 17

depth and detail through lots of data
easily tailored to individuals therefore more insight

Question 18

unstructured: weakness

Answer 18

skilled interviewers needed (training)
interviewer bias
social desirability bias
hard to make comparisons
data analysis is difficult

Question 19

construction of interviews

Answer 19

recording info - writing down answers, recording with video/audio recorder
ethical issues - informed consent required, pps must be reminded of their confidentiality
location - must be comfortable for pps to open up
neutral questions - started with to warm up pps to be relaxed