Research Methods in Psychology: Self-Report Techniques

Introduction to Self-Report Techniques

• Definition: A research method where participants respond to questions revealing personal information.
• Types:
  • Interview: Real-time conversation, face-to-face, phone, or text.
  • Questionnaire: Pre-prepared questions sent to participants to complete.

Open and Closed Questions

• Open Questions:
  • Participants can answer freely; produces qualitative data (words).
  • Allows for more valid, truthful answers.
• Closed Questions:
  • Limited response options (e.g., yes/no, fixed choices, Likert scale).
  • Produces quantitative data (numbers); easier to compare and analyze.
• Combination: Often used together in both questionnaires and interviews.

Designing Questionnaires and Interviews

• Clarity: Avoid complex scientific terminology; ensure all questions are understandable.
• Bias Prevention: Avoid leading questions that suggest specific responses.
• Piloting: Test questionnaire/interview with a few participants to identify issues.
• Filler Questions:
  • In interviews, ease participants before tough questions.
  • In questionnaires, obscure study's true aims, reduce demand characteristics.

Types of Interviews

• Structured Interviews:
  • Pre-determined list of questions.
  • Easy comparison, no need for fully trained interviewers.
  • Limitation: Cannot explore interesting points further.
• Unstructured Interviews:
  • Informal, free-flowing conversations.
  • Builds rapport, comfortable environment.
  • Requires highly trained interviewer; hard to compare multiple interviews.
• Semi-Structured Interviews:
  • Mix of prepared and spontaneous questions.
  • Needs skilled interviewer; allows comparison of fixed questions with flexibility.

Evaluating Self-Report Techniques

• Strengths:
  • Easy to replicate with set questions.
  • Analyzed statistically; detailed participant responses.
• Weaknesses:
  • Subject to biases, notably social desirability bias.

Questionnaires vs. Interviews

• Questionnaires:
  • Cost-effective, large reach, no trained interviewer needed.
  • Limitations include problematic questions and acquiescence bias (tendency to agree).
  • Solution: Contrast questions in reverse to check honesty.
• Interviews:
  • Allows rephrasing of questions; builds rapport.
  • Limitations: Require trained interviewers, smaller sample sizes, higher costs.
  • Interviewer effects: Responses vary based on interviewer's characteristics.

Conclusion

• Discussion on self-report techniques, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
• Encouragement to engage with additional tutorial resources for deeper understanding.

Additional Resources

• Tutorial videos on past AS and A-level research methods.
• Access to printable resources for patrons at neuron level on psych boost.com.
• Gratitude expressed to supporters on Patreon enabling the creation of educational content.