Self Report Flashcards
Strengths of closed questions
Easier and quicker for ps to respond. The data collected is easy to analyse and compare
Weaknesses of closed questions
Can force ps to select an option which doesn’t apply to them. Lacks reasons on why they selected the reason they did
Strengths of open questions
To carry out: leave a line for the answer :Provides more detailed rich data, doesn’t force ps to give a particular response
Weaknesses of open questions
Time consuming to complete by the p and for the researcher to analyse the responses collected. Responses may not be relevant to what the researcher desired , can’t put in graph
What is a likert rating scale
Comprise of a number of statements (not questions) and ps indicate whether they strongly agree to strongly disagree (5 or 7 intervals)- odd number as need neither agree nor disagree E.g. pets are expensive and draw table with options, numbered and place to tick. If possible, half for agree should mean positive and half should mean Negative as it controls for standard response set (tendency to give same answer to all statements)
What is a semantic differential scale
Ps indicate between a series of bipolar adjectives, 7 spaces should be provided but with no numbers attached at either end. Given topic such as college and it would be big…..small quiet…..loud boring…..exciting . How to carry out: say I would include the following semantic differentials: the phrase ‘x’ would be the attitude object and I would ask respondents to place a tick on the space in between the following semantic opposite terms that most closely represents their preference (ONLY NEED ONE PAIR)
What is a normal rating scale
E.g. how much do you like the royal family? Scale 0-4 (not all all to really like)
Strengths and weakness of rating scales
Strengths: gives researcher an idea of how strongly a p feels about something, easily repeated, still gives quantitative (can be compared) weaknesses: tendency to choose middle so don’t look extreme, don’t give reason for why they chose an option, may not be consistent interpretation of scale
Strengths of questionnaires
Cheap and quick way to gather a large amount of data. Can be completed anonymously so answers more likely to be honest or get answers to personal/ embarrassing qs. Ps can take time to consider responses
Weaknesses of questionnaires
Social desirability may occur (give incorrect response to put them in socially acceptable light which lowers internal validity ). If any questions are misunderstood ps cannot get clarification so may compete incorrectly. Questionnaires may have leading qs. Response rates may be poor and only a certain type of person may reply which limits generalisability. People may interpret differently
Difference between structured, unstructured and semi interviews
Structured: asks same set questions to each p, closed qs often used. Semi: set of pre prepared qs but others will be developed in relation to responses. Un: researcher has topics to discuss but don’t have to be in the same order, more like convo and further qs asked in relation to answers
Strengths and weaknesses of structured interviews
Easy to compare responses as same qs asked. Easily replicated as standardised. More focused on relevant info. Quicker than un. Weaknesses: doesn’t give chance for follow up qs (can mean important points missed). Feels unnatural/harder to build rapport
Strengths and weaknesses of semi interviews
S: opportunity to ask follow up qs W: still constrained by pre determined questions. Any of qs not pre set will be difficult to analyse and compare
Strengths and weaknesses of unstructured interviews
S: opportunity for follow up qs. Feels more natural, interviewee likely to discuss things openly w: difficult to compare responses not same qs, time consuming, not replicable, can get irrelevant info
Strengths and weaknesses of interviews in general compared to questionnaires
S: can ask follow up qs based on responses given, more detailed answers, build rapport with interviews and can read body language. W: may not get full answers, more time consuming, difficult to analyse
