Self Reports Flashcards
What are the strengths of a questionnaire?
Reliable- uses standardised procedures and measures thus can be replicated and tested for reliability.
Practical- Reseacher does not need to be to be present as forms can be mailed out. Thus can collect a large amount of data.
Quantitative data- Results can be analysed quickly and can quickly identify trends, showing attitude and behavioural changes before and after specific events.
What are the weaknesses of a questionnaire?
Biased- Risk of researcher bias if they are present. Risk of socially desirability bias especially on sensitive topics. Risk of sampling bias as respondents may have a similar profile lowering rep/generalisability.
Demand characteristics- ppts can work the studies aim and change responses according to the perceived aim of the researcher. Help research giving answers they need or disrupt research process.
Low validity- phrasing is important can be misinterpreted by ppts and researcher may misinterpret responses. Leading questions may distort responses.
(Low postal response rates)
What are the strengths and weakness of open questions
Strengths: gathers in-depth qualitative data. (Holistic)
Weakness: Responses must be interpreted which can lead to low inter rater reliability if researches are not consistent with their interpretations.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of closed questions?
Strengths: Gathers quantitative data (easy to analyse, can produce averages, work out trends)
Weakness: low validity as fixed responses limits answers that can be given, can put ideas into respondents mind, respondents may select answers most similar to their responses even though it’s diff. (Limited depth/scope/distorting)
What are the strengths of a structured interview?
Standardised/reliable- Standardised instructions, measures and procedures means it’s replicable and can be tested for reliability.
Comparability: Can be used establish trends across individuals or groups as diff ppl can be compared due to standardised questions.
Reduced interviewer effects: as interview follows a strict script, impact of interviewer characteristics on reposes is minimised. (Especially important on sensitive topics- ppts responses may be influenced by r characteristics)
What are the weaknesses of a structured interview?
Comparability may be difficult: if interviewer behaves diff or is changed.
Limited flexibility: to explore unexpected or nuanced responses which may result in the omission of relevant info (subjective experiences/personal narratives)
Low Validity: respondents cannot go into depth with their answers. It may struggle to capture the psychological complexity of some phenomena with fixed questions.
What are the strengths of an unstructured interview?
Holistic approach: Allow researches to take a holistic approach when studying individuals. As various aspects of their lives and experiences are considered. Leading to a comprehensive understanding of complex psyc phenomena.
Valid- researcher can explain/clarify questions/probing questions inc validity.
Reduced risk of bias- empowered respondents may be less likely to provide socially desirable responses.
What are the weaknesses of an unstructured interview?
Expensive- needs trained interview to be able to develop appropriate follow up questions
Lack of objectivity- questions may lack objectivity due to quick nature of crafting responses/development of rapport. (Spontaneous process)
Low reliability - not standardised this difficult to replicate and establish reliability
How might unstructured interviews lead to a greater sense of participant autonomy?
Allows to express themselves freely, shape the narrative and contribute to research process
