Self-report techniques
Questionnaires – predetermined list of set questions, may be used as part of an experiment to
assess the dependent variable.
Strengths
- Quick and easy to get information.
- Cheap to run.
- Can be completed online or by post so researcher doesn’t need to be present.
- Reliable method standardised and scientific
- Don’t require a trained interviewer.
- Data can be statistically analysed and comparisons made between groups, can be
displayed in graphs and charts.
Weaknesses
- Social desirability bias
- May respond to demand characteristics
- Questions can raise ethical issues/ socially sensitive.
- Tend to produce quantitative data
- Only produce snapshot of experience
- Single method of data collection
- Tend to produce less detailed info
Construction of questionnaires Factors to consider:
Aims and hypothesis – aim of study and if an experiment, directional or non-directional?
Items for questionnaire – open or closed questions?
Pilot the questionnaire – remove or reword questions too complex, and also do not write
leading questions that make a suggestion within the way the question has been worded.
Sampling – Who is the target population and how will participants be selected?
Ethical issues – How will informed consent be gained and also things such as
confidentiality/anonymity?
Analysis of data – tables and graphs, bar chart, histogram, scattergram etc..
clarity – clear for respondent in knowing what to answer.
Avoid overuse of emotive language, double barrelled questions, double negatives, jargon and
leading questions - Can all lead to biases.
Sequencing questions - easy ones can be first then followed by the harder ones. Allows a build-
up of confidence in each participant.
Filler questions – questions that have nothing to do with the aims of the investigation and are
put in to distract the participants from guessing the aims of the study.
Pilot study – carried out to ensure its suitable and if not amendments and improvements can be
made.
Questionnaires – predetermined list of set questions, may be used as part of an experiment to
assess the dependent variable.
Strengths
- Quick and easy to get information.
- Cheap to run.
- Can be completed online or by post so researcher doesn’t need to be present.
- Reliable method standardised and scientific
- Don’t require a trained interviewer.
- Data can be statistically analysed and comparisons made between groups, can be
displayed in graphs and charts.
Weaknesses
- Social desirability bias
- May respond to demand characteristics
- Questions can raise ethical issues/ socially sensitive.
- Tend to produce quantitative data
- Only produce snapshot of experience
- Single method of data collection
- Tend to produce less detailed info
Construction of questionnaires Factors to consider:
Aims and hypothesis – aim of study and if an experiment, directional or non-directional?
Items for questionnaire – open or closed questions?
Pilot the questionnaire – remove or reword questions too complex, and also do not write
leading questions that make a suggestion within the way the question has been worded.
Sampling – Who is the target population and how will participants be selected?
Ethical issues – How will informed consent be gained and also things such as
confidentiality/anonymity?
Analysis of data – tables and graphs, bar chart, histogram, scattergram etc..
clarity – clear for respondent in knowing what to answer.
Avoid overuse of emotive language, double barrelled questions, double negatives, jargon and
leading questions - Can all lead to biases.
Sequencing questions - easy ones can be first then followed by the harder ones. Allows a build-
up of confidence in each participant.
Filler questions – questions that have nothing to do with the aims of the investigation and are
put in to distract the participants from guessing the aims of the study.
Pilot study – carried out to ensure its suitable and if not amendments and improvements can be
made.
