1.7 Research Methods - Observations

Question 1

Observational Study

Answer 1

Research in which the researcher observes the ongoing behaviour

Question 2

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 2

Observing participants in their natural setting in order to increase ecological validity

Question 3

Controlled Observation

Answer 3

Usually in a lab setting, researcher has control over location, time etc. and uses standardised procedures

Question 4

Participant Observation

Answer 4

Researcher observes from within the scenario whether it be work or something else, gains ecological and gives a better understanding

Question 5

Non-Participant Observation

Answer 5

Researcher observes from afar and does not directly involve themselves in any participants directly

Question 6

Covert Observation

Answer 6

Under-cover and hidden, participants are unaware they are being observed, the researcher is hidden from the participant and behaviour is recorded in secret. This behaviour must be in public if it is to be considered ethical

Question 7

Overt Observation

Answer 7

Out in the open, participants know they are being watched and have consented beforehand. Problem with this being it leaves room for demand characteristics

Question 8

Behavioural categories

Answer 8

Observers decide on specific behaviours to look for before the observation. These must reflect what is being studied (Operationalised) and increased the reliability.

Question 9

Event Sampling

Answer 9

Counting the number of times and event or behaviour occurs e.g. by a tally chart

Question 10

Time Sampling

Answer 10

Involves counting the behaviour in a set amount of ti

Question 11

Inter-rater reliability

Answer 11

2 Researchers take part in an observation using the same behavioural categories, they conduct the observation separately to tally findings and then compare them. An 80% or higher level of similarity means that the observation findings are reliable.