Self-report: interviews and questionnaires

What is a self-report technique?

Participants give information about their own thoughts or attitudes or behaviour

What are examples of self-report techniques?

Questionnaires and interviews and diary entries

What is social desirability bias?

Giving answers that make you look good rather than honest ones

What does social desirability bias do to data?

Reduces validity

What is a structured interview?

Predetermined questions asked in a fixed order

What is an unstructured interview?

No set questions - a flexible conversation around a line of enquiry

What is a semi-structured interview?

Prepared questions plus freedom to ask follow-up questions

What is a strength of structured interviews?

Easy to replicate and answers are easy to compare

What is a weakness of structured interviews?

No follow-up so lacks depth and validity

What is a strength of unstructured interviews?

Flexible follow-up gives depth and validity

What is a weakness of unstructured interviews?

Hard to analyse and compare and interpretation may cause researcher bias

What is rapport in an interview?

Trust built by the interviewer that may produce more honest and detailed answers

Why might an interview be recorded?

So body language and verbal responses can be analysed later

How can investigator effects be reduced in interviews?

Standardise the interviewer's body language and questions

What is an interview schedule?

The planned length and topic coverage of the interview

What ethical issue arises in interviews on sensitive topics?

Distress - so confidentiality and signposting to support are needed

What is a questionnaire?

A pre-set list of written questions (items) answered by participants

What is a strength of questionnaires?

Many people can respond quickly and cheaply

What is a second strength of questionnaires?

Anonymity may reduce social desirability bias

What is a weakness of questionnaires?

No follow-up or clarification possible

What is a second weakness of questionnaires?

Less detail given as people prefer talking to writing

What is a strength of interviews over questionnaires?

Body language can be read and follow-up questions asked

What is a weakness of interviews compared with questionnaires?

Time consuming and social desirability may be highe