Questionnaires

• Why are questionnaires better


  + more cost and time efficient = more economical

  + can be more widely distributed so a larger sample = high population validity as the sample is representative of the target population (can generalise)

  + less risk of social desirability bias as not face-to-face = high IV

  + less risk of researcher effects = high IV
• 3 key points when writing good questions

  • Bias -> no leading Qs should be used; none of the Qs should lead Ps to a specific desired answer as may mean respondents are swayed by phrasing of the Q + don't answer truthfully = low IV
  • Analysis -> open + closed Qs should be used to gather qual + quant data -> to give data that can be easily analysed while also gives detail + insight into behaviour
  • Clarity -> all Qs written in a clear way that's easy to understand - if respondent doesn't understand the answer is useless + lowers IV
• Features of closed Qs


  -generate quantitative data

  -can be analysed by descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode)

  -restrict the answers given by respondent to a set of forced choice options

  -must indicated a fixed response
• Type of closed Qs: Tick lists


  respondent is given a range of options + selects ALL applicable answers

  
• Type of closed Qs: select the most appropriate answer


  the respondent is given a selection of options and chooses the one which most closely applies to them

  
• Type of closed Qs: Semantic differential scale


  1. give a statement
  2. give opposing adjectives
  3. give a rating scale (no Nos - e.g. very much, somewhat, neither, somewhat, very much)

  used to measure people's reaction to stimulus words or a statement

  
• Type of closed Qs: likert scale

  "circle the extent to which you agree"

  respondent is given a statement + asked to indicate the extent to which they agree with the statements

  
• Type of closed Qs: numbered rating scales and attitude scales


  must operationalise the ends of the scale

  respondent indicates a rating for each item given

  e.g how happy are you in the following places on a scale of 1-10

  (1 = miserable, 10 = very happy)

  home

  work

  college
• Strengths of closed Qs


  +allows for patterns + comparisons to be seen more easily = so we can draw conclusions more easily/check for the consistency of data = high ER

  +allows researcher to analyse responses in an objective manner - Nos cannot be misinterpreted by the researcher = increasing the scientific rigour + high IV
• Weaknesses of closed Qs


  -due to the closed nature of the Qs + the options provided, respondent is limited in their answers reducing the insightful nature of their answers = lowering IV

  -Ps are forced to choose certain options that they may not fit into, e.g. the 'best or nearest fit' = therefore it may not always be a true reflection + IV is lower
• Features of open ended Qs


  -must encourage the P to elaborate or write a fair amount

  -invite the respondent to answer in any way that they want without having to fit their thoughts, feelings and opinions into categories

  -produces detailed qualitative data

  -provides insight into Ps thoughts, feelings + behaviour
• Example of opened ended Qs and Q starters


  -How do you normally recognise that you feel stressed?

  -How do you feel about reality TV shows such as Love Island?

  -What is your opinion of binge drinking?

  -Explain...

  -Describe...

  -Can you...?
• Strengths of open Qs

  +As Ps can explain their feelings + experiences, researcher can gain insight into Ps feelings + experiences due to detailed answers = increased IV

  +Respondents not forced to choose the most appropriate answer - no 'best or nearest fit' - therefore answers are more truthful + representative because it invites description = increased IV
• Weaknesses of open Qs 


  -information gained is difficult to analyse + make comparisons between Ps as it is descriptive = making it more difficult to draw conclusions + check for consistency of data = low ER

  -Qs and responses are very subjective + as such are open to misinterpretation by the researcher, can be analysed in a subjective manner = reducing the scientific nature of analysis
• Why do researchers sometimes put 'filler Qs' in questionnaires


  to distract respondents away from the aim to control demand characteristics = increases IV
• Why is it better to have easier Qs at the start and more complicated Qs at the end


  to ensure respondents answer all Qs. if you started with more difficult Qs respondents may give up. more insight if all Qs are answered = increased IV
• Why should the researcher always conducted a pilot study on a small sample


  to improve the questionnaire e.g word Qs more clearly, change the sequence etc = increases IV
• Ethics in questionnaires pt1

  • Ps should be protected from psychological harm by not being asked embarrassing Qs + should be reminded they don't have to answer Qs if they don't want to -> responsibility
  • questionnaires are should be kept anonymous + Ps names shouldn't be recorded (e.g. instead a number is used) to ensure confidentiality -> respect
  • Ps should be aware they lose their RTW once the questionnaire is submitted -> respect
  • there should be a full debrief at the end of the questionnaire + access to help on issues that may have been raised when answering Qs to ensure protection from harm -> responsibility
• What are questionnaires

  a set of Qs that are structured + designed to collect information about one, or a number of different topics