Research methods- Self-report techniques Flashcards
What is quantitative data?
Quantitative data is numbers/ quantity (meaning a lot of data). It is easy to analyse numerically, makes it easier to make comparisons and it is easier to collect.
What is an example of quantitative data collection?
Students rate their enjoyment of research methods on a scale of 1-10.
What is qualitative data?
Qualitative data is words/ quality. It is not as easy to analyse (compared to quantitative) and could be biased as it is open to researcher interpretation. Increases validity.
What is an example of qualitative data collection?
A recovering patient describes his experience of schizophrenia.
Which types of data are used in the following research methods: Experiments, questionnaires, observations, case studies?
E- Quantitative
Q-Quantitative (closed questions)/ Qualitative (open questions)
O-Quantitative (structured)/ Qualitative (unstructured)
C- Qualitative
What is primary data?
‘First hand’ data collected for the purpose of the investigation (e.g. questionnaires, experiments, observations, interviews, correlation studies, case studies etc.)
What is secondary data?
Collected by someone other than the person who is conducting the research (e.g. work of other psychologists or government statistics or case studies, content analysis.)
What is a meta-analysis?
A type of secondary data that involves combining data from a large number of studies. Calculation of effect size.
What is a questionnaire?
-Can be a sole method or it can be used alongside another.
-Allowed researcher to gain large amounts of data quickly, cheaply and efficiently.
-Start with easy questions to relax participants.
-Both opened and closed questions, as well as filler.
-Sometimes uses irrelevant questions to distract, reduce demand characteristics.
-Should always be piloted, use questions before research.
What is an interview?
-Can be a sole method or it can be used alongside another.
-Verbally asking participants questions, mostly 1-1.
-Structured- pre-determined list of questions.
-Unstructured- new questions developed in response.
-Semi-structured- list of questions, but can add follow up questions.
-Start with easy questions to relax participants.
-Both opened and closed questions.
-Specialist training required by researcher, conscious of non-verbal communication.
-Always be piloted.
What is overuse of jargon and what is an example of this?
Overuse of jargon is to avoid using technical terms that are only familiar to those in specialised fields. E.g. Maternal deprivation to a layperson would be confusing.
What is emotive language and what is an example of this?
Emotive language is to avoid using language that creates a string emotional response in the participants which may influence their responses. E.g. The coalition government has destroyed our NHS.
What are leading questions and what is an example of this?
Leading questions is to avoid using questions that guide the participant to respond in a certain way. E.g. When did you last drive over the speed limit?
What are double-barrelled questions and what is an example of this?
Double-barrelled questions is to avoid asking wo questions in one. E.g. Do you agree with this statement: Premier league footballers are overpaid and should give 20% of their wages to charity?
What are double-negatives and what is an example of this?
Double-negatives are to avoid asking questions which contain two negatives. E.g. I am not unhappy in my job.
