9. observation Flashcards
observation
A research method used
when watching participants directly to gather data about their
behaviour.
structured observation
Researchers record a predetermined,
limited range of behaviours.
Specific behaviours to be recorded
are clearly defined in behavioural
checklist. Training may happen for
consistency.
unstructured observation
Researchers record all behaviour
relevant to the study aims.
Usually limited to a pilot study to
help set the focus. Lots of qualitative data gathered.
structured observation PROS AND CONS
PROS:
- Data collection is more consistent
(clearly defined)
- Easy to check for inter-observer
reliability - Easy to analyse results
CONS:
- Identify behavioural checklist
is time consuming.
- May miss important
behaviours.
unstructured observation PROS AND CONS
PROS:
- All important behaviours
are recorded.
- Lots of rich data gathered.
CONS:
- Difficult to record all data
accurately.
- May gather irrelevant data.
behavioural checklist
A list of predetermined behaviours
relevant to the observation aims
Helps to record
behaviours consistently
and accurately.
event sampling
All occurrences of target behaviour are recorded each time they occur.
time sampling
Behaviour is only recorded during
specific time periods, (e.g. every 15 seconds, every 10 minutes, 1 hour
per day, etc.)
covert observation
Participants do not know they are
being observed. Observer is not
obvious – hidden, disguised, CCTV
covert observation PROS AND CONS
PROS:
Participant may interact with
the observer in more natural
ways.
Reduces risk of social desirability
bias and demand characteristics.
CONS:
Ethical issues – deception, no
consent.
Data recording may be more
difficult.
overt observation
Participants know they are
being observed. Explicitly told or
observer is obvious.
overt observation PROS AND CONS
PROS:
More ethical – valid
(informed) consent, no
deception, privacy.
CONS:
Observer presence is likely to
alter behaviour and lower
validity of results.
participant observation
Researcher joins the participants
as part of the social setting.
May be covert (undercover) or
overt.
non ppt observation
Researcher observes from a
distance, doesn’t join social setting.
May be covert (one-way glass) or
overt.
ppt observation PROS CONS
PROS:
Should produce ecologically
valid, in-depth & detailed
data as researcher is closer to
the situation
CONS:
Can be hard to carry out as being
part of the social scene is
distracting
Observer may become less
objective.
non ppt observation PROS CONS
PROS:
Observers can be more
objective which avoids observer
bias.
More accurate as more focused
on recording data.
CONS:
May miss behaviours as
recording from a distance.
naturalistic observation
Participants are observed in
uncontrolled, natural, real-world
settings.
No interference from researchers.
controlled observation
The environment has been
manipulated socially or physically by
the researchers.
Mainly conducted in standardised,
laboratory settings.
naturalistic observation PROS CONS
PROS:
Results are more likely to
be more ecologically
valid.
CONS:
No guarantee target behaviours will
occur spontaneously.
Lack of control – risk of uncontrolled
variables, and hard to replicate.
controlled observation PROS CONS
PROS:
Interference may be necessary.
High in control, standardised,
reliable and replicable.
CONS:
Researcher interference
may lead to biased results.
Low in ecological validity.
why do we do observations?
Sometimes we cannot manipulate IVs
It may be the most valid measure of a DV
Cheap to carry out
Few resources are needed
High ecological validity for some types of observation
Improving observational technique:
Double-Blind Technique - The researcher and participants are
unaware of what the hypothesis is.
One way mirrors /Covert - The participant is less likely to alter behaviour.
Clear definitions - of behaviours to be observed. Helps avoid observer bias.
Inter-Observer Reliability - Ensure more than one person observes and they compare their results.
Pilot study - Practice run to see if all the observers are observing in the same way.
