13. Observations Flashcards
Observational techniques
- Naturalistic observation
- Controlled observation
What is a naturalistic observation
Studying behaviour in a natural setting where everything has been left as it is normally
What is a controlled observation
When the researcher has some measure of control over the environment
STRENGTHS of naturalistic observations
- Higher external (ecological) validity
- Natural experiment - generalised to everyday life
- Few demand characteristics
WEAKNESSES of naturalistic observations
- Replication is difficult - lack of control
- Uncontrolled extraneous variables
STRENGTHS of controlled observations
- Control over extraneous variables
- Inter-observer reliability
- Easy to replicate
WEAKNESSES of controlled observations
- Cannot be applied to real-life settings
- May be subjective towards what the researcher wants to see
What is an Overt observation
- The participants are aware that they are being observed
What is a Covert observation
- The participants are NOT aware that they are being observed
STRENGTHS of Overt observations
- Less ethical issues as they are not being deceived
WEAKNESSES of Overt observations
- There maybe demand characteristics as they know they are being observed
STRENGTHS of Covert observations
- No demand characteristics
(opposite of overt)
WEAKNESSES of Covert observations
- Ethical issues as they do not know they are being observed
(opposite of overt)
What is a Participant observation
The observed acts as part of the group being watched
What is a Non-participant observation
The observer does NOT become part of the group being observed
STRENGTH of Participant observations
- The observer is able to experience the situation, gaining insight. This increases validity
WEAKNESSES of Participant observations
- Lose objectivity
- Difficulty in recording observations
- Ethical issues
STRENGTHS of Non-participant observations
- More ethical
- More objective
WEAKNESSES of Non-participant observations
- Less insight as observer is not involved
- Not experiencing the same things
- Lower in validity
What is a Structured observation
The researcher determines precisely what behaviours are to be observed & uses s standardised checklist to record the frequency with which they are observed within a specific time frame.
What is an Unstructured observation
The observer recalls all relevant behaviour but has no system
STRENGTHS of Structured observations
- Its easier to gather relevant data bc you know what you are looking for
WEAKNESSES of Structured observations
- Interesting behaviour could go unrecorded bc they weren’t pre-define as important
STRENGTHS of Unstructured observations
- Interesting behaviour is picked up bc there is no pre-defined checklist
WEAKNESSES of Unstructured observations
- Its more difficult to gather data bc you don’t know what you are looking for
Key terms: What are Behavioural categories
Devising a set of component behaviours
What is Event sampling
Counting the number of times a certain behaviour (or event) occurs in a target individual or individuals
What is Time sampling
Recording behaviours in a given time frame. For eg, noting what an individual is doing every 30secs
STRENGTHS of Time sampling
- Very convenient for the researcher to carry out
- Suitable for observing social behaviours
WEAKNESSES of Time sampling
- May not be representative of social behaviours
STRENGTHS of Event sampling
- Researchers know exactly what behaviours they are looking for
WEAKNESSES of Event sampling
- Potentially interesting behaviours could be ignored
Inter-rater reliability
How to improve inter-observer reliability
- Inter-observer reliability is improved by training data collectors
- Providing them with a guid for recording their observations
- Monitoring the quality of the data collected overtime
- Offer a chance to discuss difficult issues or problems
