Chapter 6 - Observational Methods

Question 1

Codification

Answer 1

The systematic arrangement of items in an organised fashion or the classification of items into identifiable categories
- often relies on coding schemes which define how observations are to be quantified

Question 2

Coding Scheme

Answer 2

Set of rules used to categorise observations during systematic observation
- can create your own coding scheme of use a pre-developed one

Question 3

Reactivity

Answer 3

The condition in which a participant reacts a certain way because they are being observed
- this decreases internal validity in experiments

Question 4

Unobtrusive Measure

Answer 4

Obtaining measures without the participant being aware/not altered that a measurement is being made (concealed measure)

Question 5

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 5

When researchers immerse themselves in a natural setting (field)
- aspects of situations, patterns of behaviours, reactions to events
- take photograph, interview key related individuals
- good ecological validity

Question 6

Issues with Naturalistic Observation

Answer 6

1. Participation: whether to actively participate in the situation one is studying
   - Concealed/non-participant observation: unaware of
   researchers presence
   Participant observation: researcher assumes an active role in the study
2. purpose: conceal the purpose or not
   - concealed to non-concealed

Question 7

Limitations of Naturalistic Observation

Answer 7

1. Timing & convenience
   - it is time-consuming & inconvenient
   In unfamiliar settings for long periods of time
   - not well defined procedures
2. Informed consent
   - not unethical: anonymity is not threatened & behaviour is not manipulated
   Issue if observations are being made in a public place w no clear expectations that behaviours will be private

Question 8

Systematic observations

Answer 8

Observations of one more more specific variables (behaviours), usually made in a precisely defined setting
- typical lab setting
- quantitative > qualitative approach

Question 9

Issues with Systematic Observations

Answer 9

1. Inter-rater reliability: raters are tasked with coding behaviour
   - reliability is indicated by high agreement among the rates
2. Participant reactivity: pre scene of the observer influences participants behaviour
   - can be eliminated by concealed observation
   - informed consent must be obtained in concealed observation
   - can be reduced by allowing the participant time to get familiar with the researcher and equipment
3. Sampling behaviours: determine what behaviours how to sample them

Question 10

Archival Research

Answer 10

The use of existing sources of information for research
- do not collect data
- type of data is determined by type of approach (qualitative/quantitative)
a) census data/statistical records
b) survey archives
c) written records and mass media
- good external validity

Question 11

Issues with Archival Research

Answer 11

• access may be difficult
• Control: can’t control what data was collected
• non-experimental: cannot make causal claims

Question 12

Content analysis

Answer 12

It is the systematic analysis of written records
- uses a coding scheme
- interrater reliability is important

Question 13

Case Study

Answer 13

Study of one unique individual
- Overview of a historical account, can involve library research and interviews with people familiar with the target person
- Issues with external validity
- can be naturalistic observation or not