Learn: Research Methods - Self-Report

Welcome!Today we'll explore self-report methods, which are used in psychological research to gather data directly from participants. Let's dive in!

What are Self-Report Methods?Self-report methods involve participants providing information about themselves, such as their thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. These methods are often used in questionnaires, interviews, or surveys to collect data. They are important for understanding subjective experiences that cannot be directly observed.

Types of Self-Report MethodsThere are two main types of self-report methods: questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires are written sets of questions that participants answer. Interviews are verbal exchanges between the researcher and participant, which can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured.

Advantages of Self-Report MethodsSelf-report methods are useful for collecting data about internal experiences, such as thoughts and feelings, which cannot be observed directly. They are also efficient for gathering information from many people quickly, especially through questionnaires.

Disadvantages of Self-Report MethodsSelf-report methods may not always produce accurate data. Participants might give socially desirable answers or misremember events, which can affect the validity of the results. The way questions are phrased can also influence how participants respond.

Structured vs. Unstructured InterviewsStructured interviews follow a set list of questions, making it easier to compare answers between participants. Unstructured interviews are more open-ended and allow participants to discuss topics freely, providing richer data but making comparisons more difficult.

Open vs. Closed QuestionsSelf-report methods often use open questions or closed questions. Open questions allow participants to answer in their own words, leading to more detailed responses. Closed questions provide specific options, making it easier to analyse and compare data.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about self-report methods, their types, advantages, disadvantages, and how they use open and closed questions. Let's test your understanding with a few questions.