6.1 Research Methods (Observations + Self-report) Flashcards
What are behavioural catagories
When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable
What are the 2 sampling methods for observations?
- 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
AO3 for structured and unstructured observations
- 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
AO3 for behavioural categories
- Allows structured and objective data collection
- Behaviour recordings are consistent between researchers
- Categories should not allow interpretation, must be clear/unambiguous
AO3 for event and time sampling
- 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
What are self-report techniques + 2 examples?
A method in which a person is asked to state or explain their own feelings/experiences e.g questionnaires, interviews
What are questionnaires?
A pre-set list of written questions used to assess a persons thoughts or experiences
What are the benefits and drawbacks of open + closed questions?
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
What are the 6 types of observation?
- Controlled
- Naturalistic
- Covert
- Overt
- Participant
- Non-participant
What is the difference between a controlled and naturalistic observation?
- Controlled: when behaviour is observed within a structured environment
- Naturalistic: when behaviour is observed in the setting/context within which it normally occurs
What is the difference between a covert and overt observation?
- 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
What is the difference between a participant and non-participant observation?
- 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
AO3 for observations
- Provides special insight into behaviour (can capture unexpected behaviour)
- Observer bias:
- Cannot demonstrate causal relationships
AO3 for naturalistic and controlled observations
- 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
AO3 for covert and overt observations
- Covert observations have more internal validity (less demand characteristics)
- Overt observations are more ethically acceptable
AO3 for participant and non-participant observations
- Participant observations provides the researcher with increased insight (external validity)
- ## More likely in participant observations for researcher to lose objectivity (may identify with participants)
What are the 3 types of interview?
- 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
What is observer bias?
When a researchers expectations or opinions influence what they perceive/record in a study
What is a likert scale?
When a respondent indicates their agreement with a statement using a scale
Describe the steps to carrying out an interview
- 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
Name the 5 common errors in question design
- 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)
