self reports Flashcards
what are the two types of self-report?
questionnaires and interviews
what is meant by self-reports?
any data that is collected that asks people to report on their thoughts, feelings or behaviours
questionnaires are always…
structured
what does structured mean?
the interviewer uses pre-set questions and participants will choose their response from a list of fixed alternative responses
what is an advantage of structured interviews?
they allow standardised procedures to be used, so results are reliable
what is an disadvantage of structured interviews?
participants may not answer truthfully, they wish to present themselves in a socially acceptable manner (social desirability effect)
what does semi-structured mean?
an interviewer uses pre-set questions, but the participants responses are not fixed as they can express their own views (a job interview)
what is an advantage of semi-structured interviews?
you can ask each participant the same question, so answers are more easily comparable
what is an disadvantage of semi-structured interviews?
interviewers must be skilled and trained to be able to ask follow up questions in each interview
what does unstructured mean?
an interviewer will not use pre-set questions, and instead ask participants to comment on a particular topic in their own words, allowing them to express their views freely
what is an advantage of unstructured interviews?
you are more likely to get honest answers, as participants would be more comfortable in this scenario, leading to more honest answers
what is an disadvantage of unstructured interviews?
every interview is unique, and every answer will be different, therefore, results are hard to compare or spot patterns especially without the risk of biased interpretation
what does open-ended questions mean?
these questions allow people to describe what they are thinking or feeling about a particular topic in their on words
what data is formed from open-ended questions?
qualitative
what is an advantage of open-ended questions?
qualitative data gives the researcher a better understanding of why people may feel or think in a certain why, the data is valid
what is a disadvantage of open-ended questions?
the data suffers from the risk of bias, e.g demand characteristics, especially participants who may suffer from social desirability
what does closed questions mean?
these questions force people to choose from a list of possible answers, for example by ticking a box
what data is formed from closed questions?
quantitative
what is an advantage of closed questions?
quantitative data allows for easier statistical analysis and therefore, conclusions are drawn clearer without any bias interpretation
what is a disadvantage of closed questions?
the data provides no reason why people may think, feel or act in a certain why
what does clarity mean?
ensuring the questions are written clearly, and that participants are able to understand them. otherwise, the answers provided will be meaningless, reducing the validity
what does bias mean (in self reports)?
researchers must be careful to avoid leading questions, pushing someone towards an answer, as this affects the reliability of the results
what is social desirability bias?
when people answer questions in a way that makes them look ‘better’
to prevent this people can be put on a lie-scale, to help produce valid results
what are ethics (in self reports)?
the idea that ethical guidelines must always be observed before, during and after the questionnaire/interview
what is data analysis?
the way data is analysed is based on the questions that are asked
what are rating scales?
a numerical scale on which a participant indicates a choice by selecting one number, so providing quantitative data
e.g 1 2 3 4 5
what is a likert scale?
a type of question that measures attitudes using statements
e.g strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree…
what is a semantic differential rating scale?
where a participant rates their response between two opposing pair of descriptive words
(see booklet for example)
what self-report did we do?
we did a self-report on whether students enjoy our college?
using a variety of open and closed questions to answer questions such as..
if they enjoyed their lessons? they like their teachers? they enjoy the food? and drinks? how they felt about transport? and their opinion on our facilities? enrichment? aspire? etc.
