Ch 6. Structured Observation

Question 1

Based on explicit rules for observing, categorizing, and recording behaviour
Direct observation over inferences from respondent reports
Limited access to some social spaces
Smaller sample sizes

Answer 1

Structured Observation

Question 2

The rules for observation and for recording the data are contained in what?

Answer 2

observation schedule

Question 3

a kind of observation research using a qualitative method, immersion in a particular social setting for an extended period of time to determine meanings that people give to their environment/behaviour

Answer 3

Participant observation

Question 4

a kind of observation where an observer does not take part in the activities of the observed group
Observed group may or may not know that it is being observed
Process may be structured or unstructured

Answer 4

Non-participant or “unobtrusive observation”

Question 5

a type of observation where there are no rules for observing or recording the observations and observer attempts to gather as much detail as possible, make thorough notes, and develop a narrative account of the behaviour at a later time

Answer 5

unstructured observation

Question 6

Most participant observation is…

Answer 6

…unstructured

Question 7

what will the observation schedule contain? (5)

Answer 7

1. statement of research problem
2. specifies who is observed + what behaviours will be recorded
3. categories for recording behaviour must be mutually exclusive and exhaustive
4. classification scheme must be clear and easy to use
5. minimal interpretation of behaviour

Question 8

what are three strategies for observing behaviour:

Answer 8

1. recording the incidents: wait till it happens
2. time period: observe and record at a designated period of time
3. time sampling: observing interactions that take place at designated intervals of time (ex. every 15 mins)

Question 9

Compared to survey research, structured observation offer what four reliable things?

Answer 9

1.more reliable info about events
2. greater precision regarding duration and frequency of events
3. greater accuracy in time-ordering events
4. more accurate reconstruction of large-scale episodes

Question 10

what are two concerns for reliability and validity in structured observation? How can we counter these issues?

Answer 10

1. inter-observer consistency concern
2. intra-observer consistency concern

training is usually implemented to counter these issues

Question 11

why can measurement validity be an issue in a structured observation?

Answer 11

we don’t know if the structured observation actually measure what it is supposed to measure

Question 12

what are some reactive effects that can threaten validity in structured observation?

Answer 12

people often behave differently because they know they’re being observed but some research suggests this lessen as the researcher spends more time with the participants

Question 13

what is the guniea pig or hawthorne effect?

Answer 13

when participants intentionally adjust their behaviour to conform to what they believe is the purpose of the study

Question 14

What is “role selection” that is a potential reactive effect in structured observation?

Answer 14

Participants adopt an expertise role when asked questions or shift to a more passive role than usual

Question 15

What’s a funny reactive effect in social research?

Answer 15

participants trying to be helpful to the researcher

Question 16

A form of structured observation in which a researcher directly intervenes in a natural setting to observe the consequences of that intervention.

Answer 16

Field Experiment

Question 17

In the extreme, what have researchers done to gain entry into social spaces that would not otherwise be allowed?

Answer 17

adopted a social role by using deception because of limited opportunity for recording data

Question 18

What are some criticisms of structured observation? (4)

Answer 18

1. the observation schedule may only be practical for a particular setting
2. intentions + meanings may be missed
3. the effect of context may not get sufficient attention
4. produces many small bits of data, which can be difficult to piece together

Question 19

When overt behaviour is the focus of analysis, structured observation is more accurate and effective than…

Answer 19

…asking people to report their behaviour in a survey

Question 20

Structured observation may work best when accompanied by a…

Answer 20

…method that can probe for the reasons behind people’s behaviours