Which research method is most appropriate for collecting data when participants are asked to describe their emotional state as they played a game and explain why they felt that way?

• A. Naturalistic observation
• B. Archival research
• C. Self-report questionnaire
• D. Physiological measurement

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the goal of the research, which is to collect data on participants' subjective emotional states and their explanations during gameplay.
2. Step 2: Review the characteristics of each research method: Naturalistic observation involves watching behavior without interference; Archival research uses existing records; Physiological measurement records biological data like heart rate; Self-report questionnaires ask participants to describe their own feelings and thoughts.
3. Step 3: Recognize that since the research requires participants to describe their emotions and reasons, a method that captures personal, subjective experiences directly from the participants is needed.
4. Step 4: Identify that self-report questionnaires are designed to gather participants' own descriptions and explanations of their emotional states, making them the most appropriate method here.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, the self-report questionnaire best fits the need to collect detailed, subjective emotional data as participants reflect on their feelings during the game.