Observation Flashcards
What does the observational method involve?
observe and record naturally occurring behaviour.
What is a pure observation?
Where no IV is manipulated. This is a non-experimental method
What are tally charts also known as ?
behavioural category checklist
Coding Frame
What are the three behavioural categories you should consider when developing a coding frame?
Physical - eg.kicking, punching
Verbal - eg. Swearing, shouting
Facial - eg. grimaces, scowls
What’s a research aim?
The concept that the researcher wants to investigate, its usually fairly specific and reflects what the researcher is directly wanting to find out
What’s a research question?
It’s a question which elaborates on a specific behaviour from the research aim
What ethical problems do observations face?
You can’t observe under-16s
Why must behavioural categories be used in an observation?
By operationalising behaviours they can be defined which makes it possible to accurately record exhibited behaviours
What is an unstructured observation?
A non-focused observation generating descriptions (qualitative data) of the range of behaviours going on
What is a structured observation?
The observation is guided by the use of specific behavioural categories
What are the advantages of a structured observation?
Produces reliable data as they can be easily replicated by other researchers using the same fixed categories
Comparing data: allows quantitative data to be produced quickly and easily, counting frequency or duration of events thats are observed
What are the disadvantages of a structured observation?
Lack of validity: Counting frequency, duration or events does not tell us about their meaning.
Events may not fit any of the categories or may overlap several categories. Different observers may place the same event into different categories.
Give an example of a structured observation?
Milgram
Bandura
What are the advantages of an unstructured observation?
More in-depth detailed results
What are the disadvantages of an unstructured observation?
There may be a greater risk of observer bias (no behavioural categories)
Produces qualitative data which is more difficult to analyse.
Give an example of an unstructured observation?
Frued’s - ‘Little Hans’
What is a naturalistic observation?
The observation is done in the participants’ natural environment where everything remains normal
What is a controlled observation?
When participants are observed in laboratory-type unnatural conditions, Some variables are controlled by the researcher
What are the advantages of a naturalistic observation?
High ecological validity
Natural behaviours seen
What are the disadvantages of a naturalistic observation?
Risk of extraneous variables e.g.
Difficult to see/accurately record data
What are the advantages of a controlled observation?
Easy to see and record the data
No extraneous variables
What are the disadvantages of a controlled observation?
Low ecological validity
Risk of Demand characteristics (Ps changing their behaviour)
Where is observational research acceptable?
In a public setting/situation where you could expect to be seen/observed by a stranger
Define what is meant by a private location?
Private place means a place where an individual may reasonably expect to be safe from casual or hostile intrusion or surveillance but does not include a place to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access.
