Observation Flashcards
What is a naturalistic observation
An observation carried out in the ps natural environment
Strengths of a naturalistic observation
Higher ecological validity. Allows you to record unexpected behaviours.
Weaknesses of naturalistic observation
Lack of control over extraneous variables (less internal validity). Harder to record behaviour as view may be obstructed
What is a controlled observation
When observation is carried out in conditions contrived by the researcher such as a lab setting
Strengths of controlled observation
Less extraneous variables (increases internal validity). Easier to record behaviour/less obstruction. Easier to replicate so higher reliability
Weaknesses of controlled observation
Low EV, demand characteristics and social desirability may occur if they know they are being monitored (lowers internal validity)
Strengths of p observation
Can see behaviours not visible in a public setting. Can offer a deeper insight into behaviour and the reasons behind the actions seen
Weaknesses of p observation
Unethical If don’t know their group has been joined by someone observing the,. Can be difficult to record data without drawing attention to yourself
Strengths of non p observation
Easier to make the data record as observing from outside the group. More ethical as observing in a public setting so unlikely to impact the ps
Weaknesses of non p observation
Could make incorrect assumptions about behaviour and the reasons behind. Lacks insight into behaviours not happening in a public setting
Strengths of covert observation
No demand characteristics. Can observe easily in a range of places as no consent is being gained
Weaknesses of covert observation
Less ethical as no consent and they don’t know they are being watched. Can be difficult to record data without drawing attention to yourself as trying to not be obvious.
Strengths of overt observation
Ethical as they know they are being watched and data is being collected. Easier to record data as can be open in tallying behaviours as they occur
Weaknesses of overt observation
Risk of ps changing their behaviour as they know they are being observed. Limited generalisability by who would agree to be observed
Difference between structured and unstructured observation
Structures is when data is collected in a structured manner by using behavioural categories and coding frames (produces quantitative data). For unstructured,no coding frames or behaviour categories are used and all observed behaviours are recorded (known as continuous observation) non focused and generate qualitative data
Strengths of structured observation
Easier to use frames as only need to focus on relevant sets of behaviour and saves time. Easy to establish inter rated reliability as multiple observers can compare observations
Weaknesses of structured observation
Behavioural categories are open to interpretation. Some key behaviours may be missed because they were not in the coding frame
Strengths of unstructured observation
Useful if behaviours of interest do not occur very often pr not sure what to record data on. Can record unexpected behaviours. Can be applied to wider population as all behaviours noted
Weaknesses of unstructured observation
Lots of data to record. Can get tired or bored
The difference between time and event sampling
Event is when you record when a specific behaviour occurs and time is when you record at a set time interval the behaviours you see
What are the examples of time sampling
One zero: during each time interval (e.g every 5 mins for an hour) a record is made of the chosen behaviour occurs at all no further record made if behaviour happens again. Instantaneous scan sampling! No record made until end of time interval then record is made of any behaviours occurring. Predominant activity sampling: observation is continuous and an estimate of activity that occupied most of the time interval
Advantages of event sampling
Better for recording behaviours that are not frequent. All behaviours are recorded (nothing is missed)
Disadvantages of event sampling
Difficult to record all behaviours if there’s a lot happening. Doesn’t tell you when behaviours occurred/how changed over time. Time consuming and difficult to keep concentration over a long period of time
Strengths of time sampling
Can see when behaviours occur and if it changes over the time period. Doesn’t require observer to concentrate for a long time period
Weaknesses of time sampling
Data may not be fully representative of what occurred. Can miss unexpected/ interesting behaviours between time periods
What is a coding frame
Used for structured observations to systematically record behaviour. Behaviours must be operationalised, relevant and objective, a ‘not recorded category?’ Code visible behaviour not stars. Draw out a table with the behaviours (5 ish) and room for tally
Observations we did in class
Observation of students diff in males and females using phones in corridor (consent with poster, non P, had coding frame and used event but is was hard to record as lots going on, cctv footage of abbey road in London (non P, event?, in public), observed children playing together and the behaviours in a park (time sampling, . Also observation of students v teachers parking, behaviour in free periods
What does inter rated reliability refer to
The extent to which 2 or more observers record the same behaviour in an observation
S and W of using observation
Strength: can gain true/valid data surrounding behaviour compared to self report where they may lie/ maybe unconsciously weakness: it is easy to miss behaviours or interpret them wrong or observed bias
