self-report techniques

• self report method

  -ppts record their own behaviour e.g., questionnaire.
• open questions

  -questions that do not have a fixed response, ppts can elaborate their answer.
• closed questions

  -questions that have a fixed response e.g., yes/no.
• leading questions

  -worded in a certain way to get a certain answer.
• emotive language

  -language that elicits a specific response. Changes ppt's perception of the question.
• double negatives

  -2+ negative words are used which can mislead ppts.
• rating scale

  -can have any number of choices/numeric responses which measure feelings on a topic.
• likert scale

  -ppts use a scale to show how much they agree/disagree.
• jargon

  -specialist language is used.
• double-barreled questions

  -more than one topic is included but only one answer is allowed.
• AO3

  Strength(s):

  -can be cheap

  -have a larger sample

  -open questionnaires = higher validity

  -closed questionnaires = higher reliability

  
  

  Weakness(es):

  -closed questionnaires = little validity

  -demand characteristics

  -low response rate
• interviews

  -self-report

  -interviewer asks ppts questions & records the answers
• structured interviews

  -the interviewer has a set list of questions and conversation framework to follow.
• unstructured interviews

  -the interviewer has a list of topics/ideas/questions but there is flexibility in this - ppts can give detailed responses and can be asked questions that are not written down.
• structured interviews - AO3

  Strength(s):

  -responses are easier to analyse than those of unstructured interviews.

  -easy to replicate (standardised questions).

  
  

  Weakness(es):

  -points/details can be missed - decreases validity.

  -issue with social desirability.
• unstructured interviews - AO3

  Strength(s):

  -ppts may feel more comfortable so will give more valid answers.

  -rapport can be built.

  
  

  Weakness(es):

  -open to bias.

  -takes a lot of training - time consuming.
• interviewer bias

  -perspective/beliefs the interviewer hold may interfere with the findings.

  -body language also leads to different responses e.g., sighing, interrupting, leading questions.