Different types of research instruments covered in HaPI

Checklist

An observational or self-report tool used to record the presence or absence (e.g., yes/no) of specific characteristics, behaviors, traits, or symptoms.

Coding Scheme

A structured set of rules for classifying behavioral observations, spoken conversations, or responses to open-ended questions into numerical data that either distinguish qualitatively different types of responses or reflect quantitative differences in intensity or frequency of an underlying variable.

Interview Schedule

A face-to-face or phone data collection method that can be either structured (fixed questions), semi-structured (flexible follow-up questions), or unstructured (informal, open-ended conversation).

Questionnaire

A set of questions used to gather data from participants about specific topics (e.g., attitudes, emotions, personality traits, health behaviors). Questionnaires may contain closed-ended items (e.g., yes/no, multiple-choice, or rating scales) or open-ended questions that allow for free-form responses.

Task

A structured performance situation in which participants engage in a specific activity or puzzle, while their performance is assessed (e.g., short-term memory, selective attention, problem-solving, processing speed).

Rating Scale

A tool used by either a participant or observer to quantify attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics by assigning them to predefined categories or numerical values along a discrete or continuous range.

Test

A standardized, objective instrument assessing knowledge, skills, or cognitive abilities (e.g., intelligence tests, aptitude tests, tests of academic performance, cognitive or neuropsychological tests).

Vignette/Scenario

A vignette presents participants with hypothetical or actual situations—such as stories of interpersonal interactions—and uses follow-up questions to measure attitudes, conflict-resolution strategies, or potential behavior in similar situations.