Self report techniques

Question 1

Questionnaires

Answer 1

. Pre set list of written qs, used in experiment to assess DV
+ Distributed to lots of ppl -> gather large amounts of data quickly & researcher need not be present -> Reduces effort involve making qs cost effective
+ Straigtforward to analyse -> if closed fix choice qs -> Statistical data converted to graphs & charts for comparison
- Responses not always truthful -> respondents tend to present themselves in + way -> social desirability bias is possible
- Response bias -> Respondents may favour particular kind of response

Question 2

Interviews

Answer 2

. Face to face/online interaction between interviewer & interviewee

Question 3

Structured interview

Answer 3

. List of pre determined qs asked in fixed order
+ Easy to replicate -> Straightforward as standardised format -> Reduces differences between interviewers
- Interviewers can’t deviate from topic or explain qs -> limit richness of data collected

Question 4

Unstructured interview

Answer 4

. No set qs, general topic & interaction free flowing, interviewee encouraged to elaborate
+ More flexibility -> Points can be followed up as they arise -> More likely to gain insight into interviewee’s worldview & collect unexpected info
- Increased risk of interviewer bias -> closer dialogue between interviewer and interviewee -> more opportunity for unconscious cues

Question 5

Semi structured interviews

Answer 5

. List of qs worked outin advance but interviewers ask further qs based on previous answers

Question 6

Closed qs

Answer 6

. Respondent has limited choices, quantitative or qualitative
+ Easier to analyse -> produce graphs & charts for comparison -> easier to draw conclusions
- Responses restricted -> Forced into answer not representing true feelings -> reduce validity of findings

Question 7

Open qs

Answer 7

. Respondent provides own answers expressed in words. Data produced tends to be qualitative
+ Responses not restricted -> more likely to provide detailed, unexpected info -> more external validity than statistics
- Difficult to analyse -> wider variety of answers than produced by closed qs

Question 8

Interview schedule

Answer 8

Standardised list of qs interviewer needs to cover -> reduce interviewer bias

Question 9

Quiet room

Answer 9

Increases likelihood of interviewee opening up

Question 10

Rapport

Answer 10

Begin with neutral qs to make parts feel relaxed

Question 11

Ethics

Answer 11

Remind interviewees that answers will be treated in confidence

Question 12

Aims and use of piloting

Answer 12

. Used in all types of research
. Trial run -> Pilot study ~ small scale trial run of research design using small no. of parts
. Aim of plotting -> Find out if certain things don’t work so you can correct them before spending money and time on real thing