self-report techniques

Question 1

what are self-report techniques?

Answer 1

-research methods where the participants give info about themselves without researcher interference

Question 2

what are questionnaires?

Answer 2

-respondents record answers to a pre-set list of questions, usually concerning behaviour and opinions
-2 types of questions:
1-closed (fixed) - eg yes/no, scale questions
2-open questions - allow p’s to use their own words

Question 3

what are the advantages of questionnaires?

Answer 3

-quick
-lack of investigator effects
-quantitative and qualitative analysis
-replication is easy

Question 4

what are the weaknesses of questionnaires?

Answer 4

-misunderstanding (eg technical terms, leading questions and emotive language)
-biased samples (only a certain type of people are willing to participate)
-low response rates
-superficial issues (not suitable for sensitive topics)
-social desirability/idealised answers

Question 5

what considerations must be taken in questionnaire formation?

Answer 5

-aims - need an exact aim
-length - should be short and to the point
-previous questionnaires - use successful ones to get inspiration
-question formation - should be concise, unambiguous and easily understood
-pilot study - should be first tested on people who will give honest feedback
-measurement scales - help assess attitudes

Question 6

what are interviews?

Answer 6

researchers ask face-to-face questions
3 main types:
-structured (closed set questions)
-unstructured (informal discussion)
-semi-structured (use both open and closed questions, provide qualitative and quantitative data)

Question 7

what are the advantages of interviews?

Answer 7

-complex issues (can relax patients)
-ease misunderstandings
-data analysis (provide qualitative and quantitative data)
-replication (the more standardised, the easier it is to replicate)

Question 8

what are the weaknesses of interviews?

Answer 8

-interviewer effects
-interviewer training
-ethical issues (p’s don’t know the nature of the interview)
-participant answers (some can’t verbalise their feelings/thoughts properly)

Question 9

what interpersonal variables affect the decision on what type of interviewer to use?

Answer 9

-gender and age (eg sexual topics, women will feel more comfortable with other women)
-ethnicity (word et al 1974 - white p’s spent 25% less time interviewing black job applicants than white
-personal characteristics and adopted role