Observation Flashcards
What is a structured observation?
When researchers design a type of coding system to record participants behaviour
What is an unstructured observation?
Researchers record all behaviour they see (no advanced plan)
What is a strength of a structured observation?
Easier to record as observer is able to focus on specific behaviours
Collects quantitative data which is easy to analyse
What is a weakness of a structured observation?
Potentially important behaviours may be missed
Quantitative data means there is no meaningful detail or context of the behaviours being observed
What is a strength of an unstructured observation?
All behaviours are taken into account
What is a weakness of an unstructured interview?
Harder to record as researcher has to pay attention to everything which may cause some behaviours to be missed
Open to observer bias as researcher may only note down behaviours that support their own theories
What is a covert observation?
Participants are unaware they are being watched
What is an overt observation?
Participants are aware they are being studied
What is a strength of a covert observation?
High validity as demand characteristics are unlikely
What is a weakness of a covert observation?
Potentially unethical due to a lack of consent
What is a strength of an overt observation?
More ethical as participants are able to give consent
What is a weakness of an overt observation?
Behaviour may change if participants know they are being watched low validity/demand characteristics
What is time sampling?
Recording observations at specific time intervals
What is a strength of time sampling?
Reduces number of observations needed
What is a weakness of time sampling?
Important behaviour may not be recorded if it occurs between intervals
What is event sampling?
Keeping count of how many times a specific behaviour occurs
What is a strength of event sampling?
Useful for the recording of occasional behaviours
What is a weakness of event sampling?
Events may be missed if there is a lot going on
What is a naturalistic observation?
Observe spontaniously occuring behaviour behaviour in participants natural environment
What is a strength of a naturalistic observation?
High ecological validity
What is a weakness of a naturalistic observation?
Lack of control over extranious variables
What is a controlled observation?
Observing of behaviour that takes place under conditions that are controlled by the researcher
What are some strengths of a controlled observation?
High control over the environment means observation is easy to replicate
What is a weakness of a controlled observation?
Can cause demand characteristics if participants know they are being watched
What is participant observation?
Researcher is involved in the everyday life of the participants
What is a strength of participant observation?
High in ecological validity
Detailed and in depth knowledge can be obtained
What is a weakness of participant observation?
Difficult to record observations promptly and objectively
What is non participant observation?
The observer remains seperate to the group being observed
What is a strength of non participant observation?
Less likely to be affected by observer bias and can record behaviour imediately
What is a weakness of non participant observation?
More likely to miss behaviours as they are further away from the action
