Observational design Flashcards
What are the two ways of recording data?
Structured and unstructured.
Define the term structured observation.
It’s when the researcher may decide to focus on particular behaviours or actions when conducting the observation, and only record these-
What are the strengths of structured observations?
Use behavioural categories makes the recording of data easier and more systematic.
Data is easier to analyse to spot trends and make conclusions (it is likely to be quantitative)
What are the limitations of structured observations?
Less detail as only certain things have been recorded
Define the term unstructured observation.
Recording everything that is going on- this is the unstructured method (more likely with fewer participants).
What are the strengths of unstructured observations?
Benefit from more richness and depth of detail in the data collected.
What are the limitations of unstructured observations?
Greater risk of observer bias as the objective behavioural categories a feature of structured observations aren’t present.
Researcher may only record behaviours that ‘catch their eye’ - may not be important or useful information.
Define the term behavioural categories.
This is the process of making a target behaviour measurable, by breaking it down into observable components. ‘Aggression’ could be broken down into shouting, hitting, punching and so on. This allows different observers to use the same checklist of behaviours, as they are not (or, should not be) subjective.
What are the strengths of behaviour categories?
Makes data collection more structured and objective.
What are the limitations of behaviour categories?
To be useful, categories should be unambiguous and objective, as far as possible, and should cover all possible behaviours. Categories should not overlap (e.g. ‘hitting’ and ‘striking’ would be too similar).
Describe sampling methods.
In unstructured observations, continuous recording is often used, where everything that happens is recorded. Because this is often not feasible, researchers usually use one of two sampling methods to record data. This includes event sampling and time sampling.
Define the term event sampling.
Is when a record is made of each example of a particular behaviour during the observation (e.g. counting the number of times someone shouts out).
What are the strengths of event sampling?
Useful when the targeting behaviour or event happens quite infrequently and could be missed when
What are the limitations of event sampling?
If specified event is too complex, the observer may overlook important details.
Define the term time sampling.
It’s when a record is made of each example of a particular behaviour during the observation (e.g. counting the number of times someone shouts out).
