Questionnaires

• Open questions- participants can answer the question in their own words, usually provides qualitative data
• Strengths of open questions:

  • Qualitative data- provides insight and detail
  • Less demand characteristics- pps might be able to become more comfortable
• Limitations of open questions:

  • Less replicable- pps might divert from the question
  • Qualitative data- less comparable, lowers internal validity
  • Takes time- collecting many detailed responses
• Closed questions- participants have given answers to choose from per question, and are told to choose the most relatable answer, provides quantitative data
• Strengths of closed questions:

  • Easy to compare- increases internal validity
  • Takes less time to get responses- more cost-effective
  • Easier for participant- can be done without researcher present
  • More replicable- pps can choose from the same answers
• Limitations of closed questions:

  • Quantitative data- lacks detail, less insight
  • Social desirability bias- pps are able to see the 'expected' answers in front of them