A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

How did the use of matched questions in the questionnaire benefit the study?

1. Allowed for subjective interpretations

2. Increased response variability

3. Ensured comparability of responses

4. Reduced participant engagement

The correct answer is: Ensured comparability of responses

The use of matched questions in a questionnaire is advantageous because it ensures the comparability of responses. By having pairs of questions that are closely aligned in content or structure, researchers can effectively measure and compare participants' responses across different items. This method reduces variability due to differences in how questions might be perceived or interpreted, leading to more reliable and valid data. Matched questions create a standardized format which helps maintain consistency in understanding, making it easier to analyze the collected data and derive meaningful conclusions. This comparability is particularly crucial in psychological studies, where nuances in responses can significantly influence the results. The other options do not accurately reflect the benefits of matched questions; for instance, subjective interpretations can cloud data accuracy, while increased variability is often a concern researchers try to minimize. Moreover, reducing participant engagement is contrary to the goal of well-structured questionnaires, which aim to encourage thoughtful and meaningful responses.