Research Methods - Self reports

Question 1

define the self report method

Answer 1

a data collection method that involves asking people to report on their thoughts, feelings and behaviour

Question 2

define a questionnaire

Answer 2

a self report method that contains set questions designed to collect info from people about a certain topic

Question 3

define an open question

Answer 3

open ended questions ask for detailed elaborated answers producing qualitative data

Question 4

define a closed question

Answer 4

these generate quantitate data and can be analysed by descriptive statistics . Answers are restricted giving a closed response

Question 5

name the strengths of an open question

Answer 5

collects qualitative data giving greater insight increasing internal validity

not forced to choose the most appropriate answer , so is more truthful and representative , increasing internal validity

Question 6

name the weaknesses of a closed question

Answer 6

respondents are limited in their answers reducing insight of answers - can’t elaborate or give detail decreeing internal validity

participants forced to choose

Question 7

name the weaknesses of an open question

Answer 7

qualitative data is difficult to compare an analyse decreasing external reliability

questions and responses can be quite subjective and open to misinterpretation , reducing the scientific nature

Question 8

name the weaknesses of a closed question

Answer 8

respondents are limited in their answers reducing insight of answers - can’t elaborate or give detail decreeing internal validity

participants forced to choose an option they may not fir with - may not be a true reflection , decreasing internal validity

Question 9

what are interviews

Answer 9

these are the same as questionnaires, but involve the researcher asking the questions themselves by phone or face to face rather than in written form

Question 10

define a structured interview

Answer 10

all questions are pre- planned before the interview takes place
researcher can’t deviate from the set questions which have been carefully planned

Question 11

describe the strengths of a structured interview

Answer 11

easier to compare results as answers are restricted allowing for easier comparison/analysis

procedure can be easily replicated as there are pre-set questions used which can show if interview is reliable

Question 12

describe the weaknesses of an structured interview

Answer 12

can’t expand answers so they lack detail / info that could’ve been important, reducing our insight and validity

Different participants could’ve interpreted the questions differently effecting results

Question 13

define an unstructured interview

Answer 13

free flowing , may have a few set questions to start but most are spontaneous built off previous responses

Question 14

define a semi structured interview

Answer 14

compromise

Question 15

define a semi structured interview

Answer 15

compromise between the two types
some pre planned questions to keep aim specific and on track, but spontaneous questions also used to follow a response- will the be brought back to the original topic

Question 16

give the strengths of semi/unstructured interviews

Answer 16

ability to expand answers and get more detailed/elaborated responses to record to increase insight and validity

Question 17

give the weaknesses of semi/unstructured interviews

Answer 17

Harder to compare and analyse the repossess of different participants

can’t be easily replicated as some questions may be unscripted / spontaneous making an interview lack internal reliability