6.1 Research Methods (Observations + Self-report)

Question 1

What are behavioural catagories

Answer 1

When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable

Question 2

What are the 2 sampling methods for observations?

Answer 2

- Event sampling: once a target behaviour is established, a researcher records the event every time it happens

- Time sampling: involves recording a target behaviour within a pre-established time frame

Question 3

AO3 for structured and unstructured observations

Answer 3

• Data in structured interviews more straight-forward and easy to analyse
• Greater risk of observer bias in unstructured
• More richness and depth in data from unstructured

Question 4

AO3 for behavioural categories

Answer 4

• Allows structured and objective data collection
• Categories should not allow interpretation, must be clear/unambiguous

Question 5

AO3 for event and time sampling

Answer 5

• Event sampling useful when behaviour is infrequent
• Target behaviour could be missed if it occurs outside of the time-frame for time sampling
• Time sampling is effective in reducing number of observations to be made

Question 6

What are self-report techniques + 2 examples?

Answer 6

A method in which a person is asked to state or explain their own feelings/experiences e.g questionnaires, interviews

Question 7

What are questionnaires?

Answer 7

A pre-set list of written questions used to assess a persons thoughts or experiences

Question 8

What are the benefits and drawbacks of open + closed questions?

Answer 8

Open questions:
- qualitative data is difficult to analyse
- no fixed number of responses

Closed questions:
- data is easy to analyse
- responses may lack depth and detail

Question 9

What are the 6 types of observation?

Answer 9

• Controlled
• Naturalistic
• Covert
• Overt
• Participant
• Non-participant

Question 10

What is the difference between a controlled and naturalistic observation?

Answer 10

- Controlled: when behaviour is observed within a structured environment

- Naturalistic: when behaviour is observed in the setting/context within which it normally occurs

Question 11

What is the difference between a covert and overt observation?

Answer 11

- Covert: when participants are unaware they are the focus of the study, their behaviour is recorded without their knowledge

- Overt: when participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Question 12

What is the difference between a participant and non-participant observation?

Answer 12

- Participant: when the researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour is being observed

- Non-participant: when the researcher remains separate/outside of the group whose behaviour is being observed

Question 13

AO3 for observations

Answer 13

• Provides special insight into behaviour (can capture unexpected behaviour)
• Observer bias:
• Cannot demonstrate causal relationships

Question 14

AO3 for naturalistic and controlled observations

Answer 14

• Naturalistic observations have high external validity (generalisation) compared to controlled
• Naturalistic observations have a lack of control (replication is difficult) whereas controlled has high control

Question 15

AO3 for covert and overt observations

Answer 15

• Covert observations have more internal validity (less demand characteristics)
• Overt observations are more ethically acceptable

Question 16

AO3 for participant and non-participant observations

Answer 16

• Participant observations provides the researcher with increased insight (external validity)
• ## More likely in participant observations for researcher to lose objectivity (may identify with participants)

Question 17

What are the 3 types of interview?

Answer 17

• Structured interview: pre-determined set of questions asked in a fixed order
• Unstructured interview: a free-flowing interaction where there are no set questions
• Semi-structured interview: there is a list of questions but interviewers able to follow-up on answers

Question 18

What is observer bias?

Answer 18

When a researchers expectations or opinions influence what they perceive/record in a study

Question 19

What is a likert scale?

Answer 19

When a respondent indicates their agreement with a statement using a scale

Question 20

Describe the steps to carrying out an interview

Answer 20

• A standardised interview schedule is created
• The interview is carried out in a quiet room
• The interview begins with neutral questions to relax the interviewee (establish rapport)
• The interview is recorded/noted and analysed later

Question 21

Name the 5 common errors in question design

Answer 21

- Overuse of jargon (technical terms that are only familiar to those within a specialized field)
- Emotive language
- Leading questions (question that guides the respondent to a particular answer)
- Double-barrel questions (question that contains two questions in one)
- Double-negative questions (can be difficult to decipher)