Self-report design

Question 1

What are the names of the three types of questionnaire designs?

Answer 1

Likert scales, rating scales, fixed-choice option

Question 2

Describe likert scales

Answer 2

Respondents indicate their agreement with a statement using a scale of usually five points
The scale ranges from Strongly agree to Strongly disagree

EG:
“Zombie films can have educational value”

1 2 3 4 5
Strong agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strong disagree

Question 3

Describe rating scales

Answer 3

A rating scale is similar to a likert scale, but the respondents identify a value that represents their strength or feeling about a topic

EG:
“How entertaining do you find zombie films?”
Circle the number that applies to you

Very entertaining 1 2 3 4 5 Not entertaining at all

Question 4

Describe fixed-choice option

Answer 4

This is a list of possible options and respondents indicate all those that apply to them

EG:
“For what reasons do you watch zombie films”
Tick all those that apply

• Entertainment - To escape - To be scared
• Amusement - Eduction - To please others

Question 5

Describe the designing of an interview

Answer 5

• Most interviews involve a schedule which is a list of questions that the interview intends to cover
• This should be standardised to reduce the contaminating effect of interview bias
• The interviewer will take notes throughout the interview or the interview is recorded to be analysed later
• Interviews usually involve an interviewer and a single participant, conducted in a quiet room away from others (increasing the likelihood of the interviewee opening up)
• Neutral questions are used at the start to help interviewee feel more relaxed and comfortable
• Reassurance throughout the interview that answers will be treated in the strictest of confidence, especially if topics are personal/sensitive

Question 6

What is essential in both interviews and questionnaires?

Answer 6

Clarity - if respondents are confused or misinterpret particular questions, this will have a negative impact on the results produced

Question 7

Name some errors in a question design that should be avoided

Answer 7

1. Overuse of jargon
   Respondents may not understand the terms
   Questions should be simple and easy to understand
2. Emotive language and leading questions
   Sometimes a researcher’s attitude on a topic is clear from the way a question is phrased
   EG: “Boxing is a barbaric sport and any sane person would want it banned”
3. Double barrelled questions and double negatives
   Double barrelled questions contain two questions in one
   The issue is that respondents may agree with only half of the question, and not the other half
   Questions that include a double negative can be difficult for respondents to decipher