Lesson 10 (observations)

Question 1

Naturalistic observations

Answer 1

A type of field research, but no IV.

Behaviour is objectively measured in natural environment

Behaviour is observed and recorded as it randomly occurs, or using a coding system to look for specific behaviours

Participants dont know they are taking part

Question 2

Controlled observations

Answer 2

A type of lab research, where environment is controlled by researcher

Participants know theyre taking part

Question 3

Overt observation

Answer 3

Participants know theyre being observed

Question 4

Covert observation

Answer 4

Researcher is undercover, participants dont know theyre being observed

Question 5

Participant observation

Answer 5

Researcher becomes part of the population being studies

Involved observing in the environment which it typically occurs

Question 6

Non-participant observation

Answer 6

Researcher is not involved in the situation being observed

Does not try to influence the participants

Question 7

How to improve reliability of observations

Answer 7

Inter-rater reliability.

Question 8

Issues with inter-rater reliability

Answer 8

Inconsistent ratings of behaviour

To improve, variables need to be operationalised.

Behaviour needs to be coded and categorised.

Question 9

Unstructured observation

Answer 9

Researcher records all behaviour but has no system.

Problematic when theres too much behaviour to record, most visible behaviours will be recorded

Question 10

Structured observation

Answer 10

Aim to be as objective as possible

Use various systems to organise observations

Use bahaviour categories and sampling procedures

Question 11

Behavioural categories

Answer 11

First step is to operationalise the variables being studies, will involve defining behaviours

Coding systems can help improve inter-rater reliability