1.

2 Self Reports
 In SELF REPORT the participant gives the researcher information about themselves
directly.
 Self reports methods can be the following

 Questionnaires Interviews
Questionnaires

 In questionnaire method, the researcher asks series of questions in written / printed

form .This may be on paper or as an online survey

Likert scales : are statements that participants read and then state whether they
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree etc..
Likert questions
Rating scales

 Are questions or statement where the participant gives an answer in the form of a number

 Eg: on scale of 1 to 10
 Not at all characteristic of me A little characteristic of me Somewhat characteristic of me Very characteristic of me Entirely characteristic of me

1. Unforeseen events upset me greatly. 1 2 3 4 5

Rating scale
2. It frustrates me not having all the information I need. 1 2 3 4 5

3. Uncertainty keeps me from living a full life. 1 2 3 4 5

4. One should always look ahead so as to avoid surprises. 1 2 3 4 5

5. A small unforeseen event can spoil everything, even with the best of planning. 1 2 3 4 5

6. When it’s time to act, uncertainty paralyses me. 1 2 3 4 5

7. When I am uncertain I can’t function very well. 1 2 3 4 5

8. I always want to know what the future has in store for me. 1 2 3 4 5

9. I can’t stand being taken by surprise. 1 2 3 4 5

10. The smallest doubt can stop me from acting. 1 2 3 4 5

11. I should be able to organize everything in advance. 1 2 3 4 5

12. I must get away from all uncertain situations. 1 2 3 4 5

Open ended questions

 Questions or statement which allows the participants to develop their own answers in their
own words

 Eg: Tell me about your childhood memory

Closed questions
Evaluating questionnaire methods

 Participants may be more likely to reveal truthful answers in a questionnaire as it does not
involve face to face conversation.

 Questionnaire using closed questions are easier to analysis.

 Answers to open ended questions have to be interpreted as it lacks reliability as the

researcher may not consistent in its interpretation.
 If more than one researcher involves,, it can leads to the lack of inter-rater reliability.
 Some time participants may respond to the questions in socially desirable way. – Social
desirability bias

 Some time researcher may use filler questions to disguise the aim of the study. Answers
to the filler questions are not analysed .