BEHAVIOURAL CATEGORIES

Question 1

Explain how such observational research might be refined through the use of behavioural
categories.

Answer 1

• behavioural categories allow observers to tally observations into pre-arranged
  groupings
• examples of behavioural categories appropriate in this situation might be ……
• using categories provides clear focus for the researcher
• categorisation enables proposal of a testable hypothesis
• categories allow for more objective / scientific data recording
• use of categories should result in greater reliability
• categories provide data that is easier to quantify / analyse
• contrast with method described in the stem (own interpretation is too subjective /
  opinion-based).