Structured interviewing
The response set of “acquiescence” can be a problem in that:
Some people consistently agree or disagree with a set of questions or items
Respondents tend to give answers that they think are socially desirable
The structured interview is so conducive to reciprocity that male respondents find it hard to stop talking
Researchers who wear very strong perfume will distract their respondents
Some people consistently agree or disagree with a set of questions or items
A ‘response set’ is a type of behaviour pattern in which people answer questions consistently in the same manner, without particular regard for the question’s content stimulus. Two types of response set affect structured interviews, as Bryman discusses on page 216 and 217, being “acquiescence” and “social desirability”. Answer (b) points to this latter type of response, the suggested remedy being a phrasing of questions that avoids emotional overtones and avoiding judgemental behaviours in recording replies. Acquiescence is the tendency for some respondents to agree or disagree consistently, the suggested remedy here being reverse-ordering of the question or scales of agreement-disagreement, or by using double negatives in some questions. Since interviewer bias is a serious concern, perhaps the interviewer (of whichever sex) should be discreet in the dress and perfume worn, to avoid any extra-interview responses!
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 216-217
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 216-217
Some people consistently agree or disagree with a set of questions or items A ‘response set’ is a type of behaviour pattern in which people answer questions consistently in the same manner, without particular regard for the question’s content stimulus. Two types of response set affect structured interviews, as Bryman discusses on page 216 and 217, being “acquiescence” and “social desirability”. Answer (b) points to this latter type of response, the suggested remedy being a phrasing of questions that avoids emotional overtones and avoiding judgemental behaviours in recording replies. Acquiescence is the tendency for some respondents to agree or disagree consistently, the suggested remedy here being reverse-ordering of the question or scales of agreement-disagreement, or by using double negatives in some questions. Since interviewer bias is a serious concern, perhaps the interviewer (of whichever sex) should be discreet in the dress and perfume worn, to avoid any extra-interview responses!
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 216-217
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 216-217
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A filter question is one that:A. Ensures that all respondents are asked every question on the schedule and in the same order
B. Leaves a space for respondents to write long and detailed answers
C. Helps the interviewer to avoid asking irrelevant questions by directing them elsewhere on the schedule
D. Allows supervisors to distinguish between good and bad interviewers
Which of the following is not a disadvantage of telephone interviewing?
A. Researchers do not have to spend so much time and money on travelling
B. Some people in the target population may not own a telephone
C. It can be difficult to build rapport over the telephone
D. Interviewers cannot use visual cues such as show cards
Why is it important for structured interviews to follow a standardized procedure?
A. To increase validity, as the interview can be adapted for each respondent
B. To increase reliability, because all respondents receive the same interview stimulus
C. To allow for an in-depth exploration of the topic
D. To make it easier for untrained interviewers to carry out complex surveys
Standardizing the interview schedule can reduce interviewer variation in terms of:
A. The way in which questions are phrased by the interviewer
B. The order in which questions are asked
C. The procedures used to code and analyse survey data
D. All of the above
A show card is:
A. One that prevents respondents from expressing their opinions about a statement
B. One that encourages explicit discussion of sensitive or personal information
C. One that prompts respondents to choose from a range of possible answers
D. One that researchers must present when they compete at pony club events
Which of the following might you include in an introductory letter to respondents?
A. An explanation of who you are and who is funding your research
B. An overview of what the research is about and how the data will be collected
C. A statement of their ethical rights to anonymity, confidentiality, etc.
D. All of the above
The acronym “CATI” stands for:
A. Camera-activated telescopic interviewing
B. Computer-assisted telephone interviewing
C. Corrective anti-terrorist interviewing
D. Critical analysis of telepathic interviewing
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