Observation Flashcards
Research aim
The concept that the researcher wants to investigate
Research question
The question version of the aim, that the researcher is looking to answer
Coding frame
Tables that are used to record data within a structured observation
Behavioural categories
Certain behaviours the observer is looking out for and recording
Structured observation
-Has set behaviours the observer is looking out for
-Produces quantitative data
-Eg-Bandura
Structured observation advantages
-Creates quantitative data which is objective and easy to analyse
-Easy to conduct/less effort for observers to record
Structured observation disadvantages
-The coding frame may not include all displayed behaviours
-Lacks detail
Unstructured observation
-Has no pre-planned behaviours to look for
-Produces qualitative data
-Eg-Stanford prison experiment
Unstructured observation advantages
-Gets more detail
-Behaviours that weren’t expected can still be recorded by the observer
Unstructured observation disadvantages
-The data collected is more subjective
-Takes more time and effort for data to be recorded
Naturalistic observation
-An observation that is carried out in a participants typical environment
-Eg-Piliavin
Naturalistic observation advantages
-High ecological validity
-People may be more likely to act naturally in their typical environment
Naturalistic observation disadvantages
-Could be extraneous variables from the environment
-It could be hard to see and record all the data based on the surroundings
Controlled observation
-An observation that takes place in a lab setting, manipulated by the researcher
-Eg-Milgram, Bandura
Controlled observation advantages
-Higher levels of controls over extraneous variables
-Easy to set up environment for ease of viewing behaviours
Controlled observation disadvantages
-Low ecological validity
-People may alter their behaviour due to the unnatural setting
Participant observation
-The observer is working within the same location as the participants
-Eg-Piliavin
Participant observation advantages
-View less likely to be obstructed
-Can get more insider information being up close to participants
Participant observation disadvantages
-Time consuming to set up
-Could be dangerous
-Could lose objectivity if become friends with participants
Non-participant observation
-The observer is working in a different location to the participants
-Looking through CCTV/one way mirror
-Eg-Milgram, Bandura
Non-participant observation advantages
-Less risk of observer bias
-Less safety concerns
-Less time to set up
Non-participant observation disadvantages
-Less control
-Likely to have an obstructed view in some way
Covert observation
-Participants are unaware they are being watched
-Eg-Piliavin, Bandura, Milgram
Covert observation advantages
-Participants are more natural in their behaviour, which increases validity
-Takes less effort from researchers
Covert observation disadvantages
-Breaks ethical guidelines
-Can be hard to record data without breaking cover
Overt observation
-Participants are aware they are being watched
-Eg-Love Island, Louis Theroux, Stanford prison experiment
Time sampling
Recording what is observable at a given time interval during the observation period
One-zero sampling
-A recording is made if a set behaviour is displayed during the interval
-No further recording is made if the behaviour occurs again in the interval
Instantaneous scan sampling
