Questionnaires

Question 1

What are self report measures?

Answer 1

Where PPs give details about themselves rather than having them reported by someone else

Question 2

What is and are the strengths and weaknesses of open questions?

Answer 2

Question with no fixed response where PP can respond at any length they wish e.g. how do you feel about … and why?

PRO: Data gathered has lots of depth and detail as PPs can elaborate on their thoughts and why they answered in a particular way
CON: Infinite options for PPs makes responses harder to analyse collectively and make statistics

Question 3

What is and are the pros and cons of closed questions?

Answer 3

Question with predetermined options by researchers that PPs choose from to respond e.g. yes/no?

PRO: Since there are finite options for PP responses, they are much easier to analyse collectively and generate statistical data
CON: Data gathered lacks depth as PPs are compelled to select 1 choice and can’t elaborate reasoning. Also it may be that none of the predetermined options reflect PPs opinions so they choose a ‘best fit option’ decreasing validity

Question 4

What are likert scales?

Answer 4

• PPs indicate level of agreement with a particular statement
• e.g. strongly agree, agree, neither, disagree, strongly disagree

Question 5

What is a rating scale?

Answer 5

• PPs identify a value that represents how they feel
• e.g. on a scale of 1-10 what do you think about …?
• 1 = terrible, 10 = fantastic

Question 6

What are fixed choice options?

Answer 6

• PPs are given a list of options to select from that applies to them
• e.g. what is your favoruite pizza topping: pepperoni, chicken, onion, sausage, cheese, etc

Question 7

What are the strengths and weaknesses of questionnaires?

Can compare to interviews to bulk up answer if needed

Answer 7

PROS:
- Quick and convenient - help gather lots of data in a short period of time with minimal effort for researcher as PPs can complete it independently without researcher being present
- Can be considered ethical as PPs are fully aware that they are completing a questionnaire and therefore partaking in research. Thus PPs can give informed consent

CONS:
- PPs may lie about true behaviour or thoughts to create a positive impression on the researcher - social desirability. This leads to false data thus reducing validity
- If PPs don’t understand the questions they may leave it blank or answer inaccurately, both cases leading to faulty data which decreases validity