Non-experimental research methods Flashcards
Define observation
When a researcher watches or listens to participants engaging in the behaviour that’s being studied
Define correlation
A correlation is used to measure the extent of a relationship between two quantitative variables that are neither manipulated by the experimenter
Define naturalistic observations
This is an observation carried out in a natural setting where the observer doesn’t interfere or try influence the behaviour being observed
Strengths of naturalistic observations
- High eco validity (takes place in real-life setting)
- Low demand characteristics (pps aren’t aware they’re being studied)
Weaknesses of naturalistic observations
- Less control over extraneous variables (hard to determine casualty)
- Low replicability (reality of findings can’t be checked)
Define controlled observation
An observation that takes place in a controlled setting, usually behind a one-way mirror so observers can’t be seen
Strengths of controlled observation
- Less extraneous variables (takes place in a controlled environment)
- High reliability (observation procedure can be easily replicated)
Weaknesses of controlled observation
- Low eco validity (setting is artificial like in a lab)
Define structured observation
When an observer records participants’ behaviours according to a predetermined coding system. This can be done through event and time sampling
Define event and time sampling
Event sampling: An observer records every time the target behaviour occurs
Time sampling: An observer records at set time intervals (eg: every 20 mins)
Strengths of structured observation
- Predetermined checklists allows for objective, measurable data that can be collected and statistically analysed
- Allows for more than one observer (due to checklist) which increases reliability
Weaknesses of structured observation
- Predetermined checklists may make observation more restrictive and doesn’t always explain why behaviour is happening
Define unstructured observations
When an observer records participants in a qualitative manner over a period of time without the use of a behavioural checklist
Strengths of unstructured observations
- researchers can collect in-depth, rich qualitative data which can help explain why behaviour has occurred
- observers aren’t limited to prior theoretical expectations
Weaknesses of unstructured observations
- researchers may be drawn to eye-catching behaviour which may not be representative of all behaviours
- more subjective and can’t be comparable across all researchers
Define overt observation
When participants are aware and know they’re being observed
Strengths and weakness of overt observation
+ fulfils ethical guidelines where participants know they’re being observed compared to a covert observation
- increases demand characteristics as participants may behave differently knowing they are being observed (Hawthorne effect)
- reduces validity from behaviour
Define covert observation
When participants are unaware they they are being observed
Strength and weakness of covert observation
+ increases validity and reduces demand characteristics as behaviour is more likely to be natural
- breaks ethical guidelines as there is deception and participants don’t get informed consent about being observed
Define participant observation
When the observer is involved in the participant group and may not be known to other participants
Strength and weaknesses of participant observation
+ allows for researcher to gain deep understanding of the group
- participants’ behaviours may be influenced when researcher is present
- less objectivity as researcher is part of the participant group
Define non-participant observation
When the observer is separate from the participant group
Strength and weakness of non-participant observation
+ more objective as researchers are not part of the participant group
- harder to gain qualitative data to understand the reasons for participants’ behaviours
Define inter-rater reliability/inter-observer reliability
When two researchers watching the same event produce the same records/data