Non-experimental method Flashcards
What is the difference between a correlation and an experiment?
Experiments involve manipulation of the IV whereas a correlation can only be measured
What are the variables called in a correlational study?
Co-variables
What is a positive correlation?
As one co-variable increases, the other also increases
What is a negative correlation?
As one co-variable increases, the other decreases
What is a zero correlation?
No relationships between co-variables
Why can’t we say one co-variable causes the effect on the other co-variable
Association does not mean causation. There may be a third variable also
Give two strengths of correlational research
-It allows the researcher to study the relationship between variables that cannot be manipulated
-It is possible to correlate a large amount of data and secondary data
Give one limitation of correlational research
We don’t know which co-variable causes the other to change
What is a naturalistic observation?
Studying behaviour in its real life or natural setting
What is a controlled observation?
Studying behaviour in a controlled and structured environment
What is a covert observation?
Participant does not know they’re being observed
What is an overt observation?
The participant knows they’re being observed
What is a participant observation?
Observer joins group that is being observed
What is a non-participant observations?
Observer remains separate to what they’re studying
Give a strength and limitation of naturalistic observations
S: Better insight into normal behaviour
L: Ethical issues
Give a strength and limitation of controlled observations
S: Replicable
L: Low external validity
Give a strength and limitation of covert observations
S: Avoids demand characteristics
L: Ethical issues
Give a strength and limitation of overt observations
S: More ethical
L: Demand characteristics
Give a strength and limitation of participant observations
S: In depth research
L: Ethical issues
Give a strength and limitation of non-participant observations
S: Observer can remain separate and observant
L: Cannot demonstrate causal relationships
Why can’t cause and effect be established in observations?
There may be third variables
What are behavioural categories?
When a target behaviour is broken down into components that are observable and measurable
What is event sampling?
Counting the number of times a particular event occurs
What is time sampling?
Recording behaviour within a pre-determined time frame and recording what behaviour is occurring at every Nth time
What is inter-observer reliability?
Between measures consistency
How do researchers check for inter-observer reliability?
Avoid observer bias by using two observers using the same behavioural categories who independently observe the observation. If their findings correlate it suggests that the observation was accurate and have inter-observer reliability
How can reliability of an observation be improved?
- Each observer independently rates the observation
- Correlate findings using a scattergraph
- Observation is reliable if the level of agreement is +0.8 or above
