observation

Question 1

Observation

Answer 1

where a researcher observes and records a behaviour, but dose not manipulate any variables.
The still use the same sampling methods and have the same ethical considerations

Question 2

Structured observation

Answer 2

Using predefined coding categories for behaviour- using pre vote tally
strengths
-easy to record
-easy to establish inter rater reliability (more than one observer agrees)
weaknesses
-reductionist, only certain behaviours
-can reduce validity because can be reductionist
open to observer bias see what they want to see

Question 3

Unstructured observation

Answer 3

Recording everything observed in the observation, writing down everything you see
strengths
-increases validity
-applicable to a wide range of content
Weaknesses
-harder to record
harder to establish reliability, harder to compare results
-open to observer bias

Question 4

Naturalistic observation

Answer 4

involving observing participants in their natural environment, often used where it would be unethical to manipulate variables.
Strengths
-high is ecological validity, natural environment
-can investigate socially sensitive topics
weaknesses
-often no consent/deception/ eight to withdraw
-low in reliability, not controlled hard to replicate

Question 5

Controlled

Answer 5

situation being contrived by the researcher, usually conducted in a lab type setting
strengths
-higher in reliability
more likely to get consent/ right to withdraw
weaknesses
-low in ecological validity
-could be ethical costs, stressful environments not usual to participants

Question 6

Covert

Answer 6

Participants do not know they are being observed
strengths
-increases validity
-less social desirability/ demand characteristics
weaknesses
-ethical issues

Question 7

Overt

Answer 7

Participants do know that they are getting observed
strengths
-reduces ethical issues
weaknesses
-decreases validity
- increase social desirability and demand characterises

Question 8

Partisipants oberveation

Answer 8

The researcher is involved with the people they are observing
Strengths
-only way to observe behaviour (cults/gangs)
- greater accuracy and detail
weaknesses
-harder to reamin objective
-can influence behaviour, reducing validity
-ethical issues

Question 9

non partipant observation

Answer 9

The researcher remains separate from the person they are observing
Strengths
- easier to remain objectives
-no influence on behaviour
less ethical issues
weaknesses
-cant observe certain behaviour
-less detail and accuracy

Question 10

Event sampling

Answer 10

Every occurrence of behaviour, as specified on a predetermined checklists, is observed and recorded within a specific time period of time
Strengths
-less likely to miss predefined events
-Increases validity and reliability
weaknesses
-can be hard if lots of behaviours occurs at once
-can miss events not coded for

Question 11

Time sampling

Answer 11

behaviour that is on a predetermined checklist is observed and recorded at specific times interval’s e.g. every 10 minutes for a period of 15 seconds
Strengths
-more representative over time
- easier more reliable observation
weaknesses
-can miss important events

Question 12

Inter-rater reliability

Answer 12

Researchers observing the same behaviour and coding the behaviour in the same way
if low inter-rater reliability it suggests:
-the coding of behaviour id either vague or lacks validity
-they’re not observing the same event
Having multiple observers dose not provide inter-rater reliability they have to agree first