Self report techniques

• What are the two types of self report techniques?

  • Questionnaires
  • Interviews
• What are closed questions?

  Questions with a fixed range of answers
• What are open questions?

  Questions without a fixed range of answers, free to answer however they want
• What are filler questions?

  • Have nothing to do with the research and answers don't get analysed
  • Used to conceal aim of the study
  • Reduces demand characteristics
• What are lie detection questions?

  • Same question asked twice but worded slightly differently
  • If answer is different then participant is giving invalid answers
• What is an interview?

  • Interaction between the researcher and the respondent
  • Usually face to face
  • Can be conducted online
• What is a structured interview?

  Questions are determined in advance and asked in a fixed order
• What is an unstructured interview?

  An informal conversation with no set questions
• What is a semi-structured interview?

  Some set questions but the interviewer can deviate and ask follow up questions
• Strengths of Questionnaires:

  • Quick and cheap
  • Can distribute to large number of people
  • Straightforward to analyse
  • Able to replicate easily
• Limitations of Questionnaires:

  • Could get a low response rate
  • Social desirability bias
  • Lack detail (closed)
  • Could include leading questions
• Strength of Interviews:

  • Easy to replicate (if structured)
  • Greater flexibility and engagement (unstructured)
  • Ability to clarify
• Limitations of Interviews:

  • Can't elaborate if structured
  • Interviewer bias
  • Expensive and time consuming
  • Hard to analyse results
• How do you design a good interview?

  • Avoid Jargon
  • Avoid double barrelled questions
  • Avoid leading questions