Self-report techniques

• Structured interviews= made up of pre-determined questions that are asked in a fixed order
• Unstructured interviews= no set questions, there is a general aim but interaction tends to be free-flowing. Participants are encouraged to expand and elaborate their answers.
• Semi-structured= fall in between structured and unstructured. For example, there is a list of questions that have been worked out in advance but interviewers are also free to ask follow-up questions based on previous answers.
• Structured interviews:

  Are straightforward to replicate due to their standardised format. Their standardised format also reduces differences between interviewers.
• Structured interviews:

  Interviewers cannot deviate from the topic or explain their questions which will limit the richness of the data collected as well as limit unexpected information.
• Unstructured interviews:

  There is much more flexibility, interviewer can follow up points and is more likely to gain more insight into the view of the interviewee.
• Unstructured interviews:

  Increased risk of interviewer bias. Analysis of data is not straightforward.
• standardisation= using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants
• Questionnaires are cost-effective. They can gather large amounts of information quickly because they can be distributed to large numbers of people.
• A questionnaire can be completed without the researcher present.
• Questionnaires usually produce data that is straightforward to analyse.
• However, the responses given in a questionnaire may not be truthful. This is a form of demand characteristic called social desirability bias when respondents are keen to present themselves in a positive light.