Question
A study investigated whether men or women in romantic relationships were more unfaithful to their partners . The researchers interviewed 50 participants and asked them the same ten questions about their relationships . The researchers ; then compared the various responses to each of the ten questions. 1. What feature of the above study suggests that the researchers ; were using a structured interview ? I1 markl 2. Explain one problem of doing an unstructured interview in this study . [2 marks] 3. Explain why a questionnaire would be a more suitable method of collecting ; data than an interview in this study . 13 marks] 1. Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of using interviews in psychological research . [4 marks] 2. Explain one difference between semi -structured and unstructured interviews . [2 marks] 3. Describe and evaluate the use of interviews in psychological I research . [9 marks]
Answer
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Winston
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
1. The researchers used the same questions for all participants, implying the employment of a structured interview.2. The biggest problem is the potential for interviewer bias and a potential lack of reliability, as the researcher may influence the direction and outcome.3. Lettered: a. Anonymity – participants may be more likely to divulge sensitive information (like infidelity) in private b. Efficiency – wholly anonymous data allows maximal honesty c. Standardization ensures results continuity4. One merit: An increased understanding of participants' views. One disadvantage: the interviewer's potential bias impacting the quality and neutrality of data.5. The most glaring distinction between semi-structured and unstructured interviews: semi-structured interviews contain arranged, set questions that augment comparability between interviews. In contrast, unstructured provides flexibility and subjectivity.6. Ushe of interviews in psychological research - Pros: Direct interaction with participants can procure valuable unexpected insights and comprehensive data Cons: Possible sample vetting error and venturous bias captured by the interviewer, susceptible to personal factors like mood fluctuations or personal bias from the thoughts/views of researchers or subjects.";
Explanation
The questions test understanding and analytical abilities concerning research methods applied in psychological works, with a focus on two common methods: interviews and questionnaires. 1. The provision in the scenario that the researchers contacted 50 participants and queried using the same ten questions regarding relationships can be associated with structured interviews. This method, unlike unstructured or semi-structured interviews, is conducted with a fixed and predetermined set of inquiries which are administered in the same order to all participants. 2. An unstructured interview could introduce numerous problems in the context of this research study. Unlike structured interviews or questionnaires which offer standardized questions across all participants, the personality or mood of the interviewer or interviewee might impact data quality and consistency. 3. A questionnaire might be more suitable in this study domain due to the nature and sensitivity of the topic investigated- infidelity in romantic relationships. Efficiency can result from questionnaires when large amounts of data are to be accumulated within a short duration, and a uniform and anonymized method can influence answers' increasing authenticity and transparency.4. Although interviews, either structured, semi-structured or informal, provide profound, explanatory data allowing elucidation of context or processes behind response sets, they also have the disadvantage of introducing researcher’s bias. For example, the knowledge of the investigator about the subjects might influence neutrality in the objective assessment.5. The significant difference between semi-structured & unstructured interviews lies in that semi-structured delineate specific questions, but the interview can steer the conversation, while unstructured interviews are organized but free-flowing, lead to varying questions between different interviews.6. Interviews encourage greater response rate, as participants may give immediate feedback that aids better communication. That said, factors like time consumption, interviewer effect, and constraining the geographical selection are the downsides.