observation

Question 1

Define observations

Answer 1

Research is watching and recording behaviour as it happens

Question 2

What is the difference between a controlled observation and a natural observation

Answer 2

A controlled observation takes place in a controlled artificial environment when variables have been controlled
Whereas
A natural observation takes place in an everyday setting and the researcher doesn’t interfere with variables

Question 3

What is the difference between a covert and an overt observation

Answer 3

Covert- When the people being observed are unaware that they’re being observed
Overt- When the people being observed are aware their behaviour is being studied

Question 4

Evaluate the use of covert observation

Answer 4

+ Reduces the effects of demand characteristics
- Possible ethical issues with fully informed consent unavailable

Question 5

Evaluate the use of an overt observation 

Answer 5

+ Can gain fully informed consent
- Demand characteristics may influence participants natural behaviour

Question 6

What is the difference between a participant and a non-participant observation

Answer 6

Participant- When the observer is participating in the activity being observed
Non-participant- The observer is separate from the group they are observing

Question 7

Evaluate the use of a participant observation

Answer 7

+ Provides special insights into behaviour from inside the group
- May only see things from participants perspective
- Observation is likely to be overt which could cause demand characteristics

Question 8

Evaluate the use of a non-participant observation

Answer 8

+ The researcher is more likely to remain objective when observing
- The researcher may miss out on Small details

Question 9

Define observation design

Answer 9

The choice of behaviour to measure and how to measure them

Question 10

What are operationalised Behavioural categories

Answer 10

• These are categories that are clearly definedused to record behaviours

Question 11

What is the difference between time and event sampling

Answer 11

• Time sampling is recording all relevant behaviour within a set timeframe e.g. Recording behaviour for 20 seconds every 15 minutes over two hours 
• Event sampling is recording every behaviour when it happens

Question 12

How can the reliability of an observation be improved

Answer 12

• The research I could use interobserver reliability
• This is when two or more trade observers conduct the same observation
• They establish behavioural categories together and conduct observation separately
• They then compare the sets of data and test the correlation, A correlation coefficient of 0.8 or above is seen as reliable