Topic Two (1.2): Questionnaires, Interviews, Sampling and Observations
Introduction
Psychologists use various research methods alongside experiments, or in place of experiments, and you will learn about these in this topic. Self-reports may be used, and these can be in the form of questionnaires (face-to-face, postal) and/or interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured). In some circumstances, observations may be made. These can be overt (where participants are aware) or covert (hidden from participants) and researchers can be actively involved (participant) or observe, but not engage (non-participant). Some psychologists may use a case study approach, often for more unusual behaviour or circumstances.
Read and Make Notes
Read and make notes on pages 18 to 22 in the textbook.
Tasks
Questionnaires – Including Open/Closed Questions and Likert Scales
- Practise writing some open and closed questions. Imagine that you are going to ask an adult about the type of job that they have and their hobbies.
- Try to write five questions of each type.
- Now read the following PowerPoint:
READ – Questionnaires (PowerPoint) Download READ – Questionnaires (PowerPoint)
Interviews – Structured, Semi-Structured and Unstructured
- Write out a definition of each interview type.
- Note two strengths and two weaknesses of each.
- Read the following PowerPoint:
READ – Interviews (PowerPoint) Download READ – Interviews (PowerPoint)
Observations – Naturalistic, Controlled and Participant
- Write out a definition of each observation type.
- Note two strengths and two weaknesses of each.
- Read the following PowerPoint:
READ – Observations (PowerPoint) Download READ – Observations (PowerPoint)
Participants and Sampling – Opportunity, Self-Selected or Volunteer, Random and Stratified
- Read through this document:
READ – Strengths and Weaknesses of Sampling Methods Download READ – Strengths and Weaknesses of Sampling Methods
Glossary
Highlight any new terminology on your glossary.
Activities in the Book
- It is important that you complete the following questions in the textbook:
- Questions 5a and 5b on page 22;
- Questions 7a, 7b and 7c on page 27; and
- Questions 12a, 12b and 12c on page 39.
- Suggested answers can be found in the digital textbook and in General Resources.
Consolidate
- Please now have a go at the following exam-style questions on page 61 of the textbook: 2a, 2b, and 2c.
- Suggested answers can be found in the digital textbook and in General Resources.