observation Flashcards
what is an overt observation
when an observation study takes place where participants know their behaviour is being observed and recorded
what is a covert observation
an observational study in which participants are observed without their knowledge
advantages and disadvantages of overt observation
-more ethical
-easier for researchers to record accurate data as they can be open about it
-observer effects- participants change behaviour
-biased sample - only those who agree to being observed
advantages and disadvantages of covert observation
-natural behaviours observed, more valid as reduced demand characteristics/observer effects
-difficult to record behaviours without raising suspicion
-raises ethical issues
what is a structured observation
where there are predefined categories of behaviour that observers look for and record using coding frames (tally charts)
what is an unstructured observation
where observers record any behaviours of interest that take place (qualitative)
strengths and weaknesses of structured observation
-quantitative data- easier to compare
-makes it easier to focus on behaviours relevant to research question
-quantitative data- lacks detail
-behaviours that may be relevant are missed if not in pre-determined categories
strengths and weaknesses of unstructured observation
-allows observers to record any behaviours which may be relevant
-qualitative data- more detailed
-more difficult to ensure different observers are consistent with each other
-record behaviours that aren’t relevant to research question
what is a participant observation
where the observer records behaviour from within the group they are observing
what is a non-participant observation
where the observers record behaviour from outside the group they are observing (e.g. by recording behaviour from camera footage)
strengths and weaknesses of participant observation
-allows you to see behaviours which are difficult to spot from a distance
-can record reasons for behaviours
-observers may become too involved and lose objectivity when recording data
-presence of observer may cause observer effects
strengths and weaknesses of non participant observation
-more ethical, researchers aren’t influencing participants behaviour
-easier to record data accurately
-less insight into the reasons for the behaviour shown
-observers view may be obstructed
what is a controlled observation
an observation that takes place in a highly controlled environment, which has been contrived by the researcher
what is an naturalistic observation
an observation that takes place in the participants’ natural, everyday environment
strengths and weaknesses of controlled observations
-few extraneous variables
-standardised procedure
-easier to record behaviours accurately
-demand characteristics
-low ecological validity
strengths and weaknesses of naturalistic observations
-high ecological validity-natural behaviours seen
-record unexpected behaviours
-less control of extraneous variables
-harder to record behaviour
what is event sampling
the observer makes a record every time one of the predetermined categories of behaviour is shown throughout the whole observation period
what is time sampling
the observer would record the behaviour at set intervals during the observation period
strengths and weaknesses of event sampling
-all behaviours recorded
-better for recording behaviours that aren’t frequent
-time consuming, difficult to remain concentrated
-difficult to record all behaviour
-doesn’t tell you when behaviours occurred
strengths and weaknesses of time sampling
-can see when behaviour occurs and if it changes over time
-doesn’t require concentration of observer for whole time period
-data may not be fully representative of what occurred
-can miss relevant examples of behaviour within time points
practical example of overt observation
corridor observation
practical example of covert observation
car park observation
practical example of participant observation
corridor - say with people
practical example of non participant observation
zebras
practical example of controlled observation
none x
practical example of naturalistic observation
corridor observation
practical example of time sampling
zebras
practical example of event sampling
corridor
