Research methods in psychology give you the tools to gather... Show more
Psychology286 views·Updated May 29, 2026·2 pagesExploring Social Psychology: Questionnaires and Interviews
Demetra@demetra_21
1
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Questionnaires - Getting Data from the Masses
Ever wondered how researchers gather opinions from thousands of people without breaking the bank? Questionnaires are your answer - they're designed to collect loads of data by reaching massive samples of participants.
These research tools ask people to report on their own opinions, attitudes, and lifestyles, giving you both quantitative data (numbers and measurements) and qualitative data (rich, descriptive responses). The magic happens through two types of questions: open-ended questions that let people answer however they want, and closed-ended questions that offer predetermined response options.
Closed-ended questions come in several flavours. Fixed choice questions give simple yes/no options or lists to choose from. Likert scales let respondents rate their agreement with statements from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". Ranked scale questions ask people to order their preferences. Smart researchers always run pilot surveys first to test if their questions actually make sense!
Top Tip: The biggest strength of questionnaires is their ability to gather data from huge samples quickly and cheaply, but watch out for low response rates and misunderstood questions that can't be clarified.
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of 2
Interviews - Going Deeper with Personal Conversations
When you need to dig beneath the surface, interviews become your best friend. This method involves researchers asking questions face-to-face, over the phone, or online to gather detailed information that questionnaires simply can't capture.
Structured interviews follow a rigid script with standardised questions asked in the same order - think of them as questionnaires with a human touch. Unstructured interviews throw the script out the window, allowing interviewers to explore whatever emerges from participants' responses. Semi-structured interviews strike a middle ground, combining set questions with the flexibility to probe deeper when needed.
The interview process requires careful planning. Participants must see the schedule beforehand, agree to how the session will be recorded, and receive a full transcript afterwards. This transparency ensures everything stays ethical and accurate.
Remember: Structured interviews give you reliable, comparable data, whilst unstructured interviews provide incredibly rich detail - choose based on whether you need breadth or depth in your research.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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Psychology286 views·Updated May 29, 2026·2 pagesExploring Social Psychology: Questionnaires and Interviews
Demetra@demetra_21
Research methods in psychology give you the tools to gather real data about human behaviour and attitudes. Two key methods you'll need to master are questionnaires and interviews - both have unique strengths that make them perfect for different research... Show more
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Questionnaires - Getting Data from the Masses
Ever wondered how researchers gather opinions from thousands of people without breaking the bank? Questionnaires are your answer - they're designed to collect loads of data by reaching massive samples of participants.
These research tools ask people to report on their own opinions, attitudes, and lifestyles, giving you both quantitative data (numbers and measurements) and qualitative data (rich, descriptive responses). The magic happens through two types of questions: open-ended questions that let people answer however they want, and closed-ended questions that offer predetermined response options.
Closed-ended questions come in several flavours. Fixed choice questions give simple yes/no options or lists to choose from. Likert scales let respondents rate their agreement with statements from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". Ranked scale questions ask people to order their preferences. Smart researchers always run pilot surveys first to test if their questions actually make sense!
Top Tip: The biggest strength of questionnaires is their ability to gather data from huge samples quickly and cheaply, but watch out for low response rates and misunderstood questions that can't be clarified.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Interviews - Going Deeper with Personal Conversations
When you need to dig beneath the surface, interviews become your best friend. This method involves researchers asking questions face-to-face, over the phone, or online to gather detailed information that questionnaires simply can't capture.
Structured interviews follow a rigid script with standardised questions asked in the same order - think of them as questionnaires with a human touch. Unstructured interviews throw the script out the window, allowing interviewers to explore whatever emerges from participants' responses. Semi-structured interviews strike a middle ground, combining set questions with the flexibility to probe deeper when needed.
The interview process requires careful planning. Participants must see the schedule beforehand, agree to how the session will be recorded, and receive a full transcript afterwards. This transparency ensures everything stays ethical and accurate.
Remember: Structured interviews give you reliable, comparable data, whilst unstructured interviews provide incredibly rich detail - choose based on whether you need breadth or depth in your research.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Research Methods
9Most popular content in Psychology
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user