Explain why a questionnaire is a self-report method, including an example from a core study in your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. 1 mark for explanation (that the data comes directly from the participant / e.g. as participant writes)
2. 1 mark for example
3. Reference for core study is not sufficient, must give example of questionnaire by title or description
4. Reference for core study must match example identified
5. written questions to collect data from participants; (explanation)
6. Self reports collect data directly from the participant; (explanation)
7. E.g. Baron-Cohen et al. used the AQ/IQ tests;
8. E.g. Schachter and Singer gave participants questionnaires to assess mood;
9. E.g. Laney et al gave the restaurant questionnaire / FHI / FPQ / memory or belief questionnaire (MBQ);
10. 1 mark for a brief/muddled strength
11. 2 marks for a clear/detailed strength
12. Participants are alone so they are less likely to give socially desirable answers; (brief) which increases the validity of the results; (2nd mark, detail) So the results are more likely to be honest/true answers; (detail)
13. Many participants can answer at the same time, so a big sample can be obtained; (brief) Which increases the generalisability of the results; (2nd mark, detail) So the results will be based on and apply to a greater variety of people; (detail)
14. Each participant is asked exactly the same questions, which increases standardisation; (brief)
15. This makes the study more valid/makes analysis easier/comparison possible; (2nd mark, detail)
16. Can collect data about thoughts/feelings which cannot be observed; (brief) E.g. could observe someone frowning but a questionnaire could ask if they were cross or puzzled; (2nd mark, detail)
17. Easier for participants to stop answering/withdraw; (brief) Because they are not with an interviewer; (2nd mark, detail)
18. They are (more) valid (than interviews) = 0 cheap/easy = 0