Key Terms Flashcards
Questionnaire
A written method of gaining data. It may be completed by the participant or the researcher (who records the answers given). It does not necessarily require the presence of the researcher.
Unstructured Interview
A type of interview that may contain a topic area for discussion but no fixed questions or ways of answering.
Open Question
A participant is given a set question to respond to, but there is a blank left underneath the question so participants can answer how they want.
Forced Choice
When a respondent has to choose one item from the limited range available. This is often seen as criticism, implying a lack of validity.
Respondent
Someone who answers the questionnaire.
Structured Interview
A type of interview that contains fixed predetermined questions.
Likely Scale
Comprises a number of statements and participant selects how far they agree with the statement.
Standard Response Set
Tendency to give the same answer for every statement.
Socially Desirable
Giving an answer that a participant thinks will present them in a good light.
Interviewee
The person being interviewed.
Response Rate
The number of people who respond to a questionnaire.
Semi-structured Interview
A type of interview where there is a set of predetermined questions but the answers will be developed in response to add of questions.
Closed Question
A question with limited answers where the participant chooses what is most appropriate to them.
Interview
Direct verbal questioning of a participant.
Semantic Differentials
An attitude object is given (e.g Christmas shopping) and a series of paired words (e.g Expensive/Inexpensive) and there are spaces between the words where participants choose towards which word the feel about the attitude object.
