Observational design Flashcards
What are observational designs?
How the researcher actually plans an observational study
What are structured observations?
Simplify the target behaviours that will become the main focus of the investigation- quantify observations using predetermined list off behaviours and sampling methods
Structured observations evaluation:
STRENGTH- systematic and numerical so can compare an analyse data
WEAKNESS- lacks validity by only recording specific categories
What are unstructured observations?
Wants to write down everything they see producing richly detailed data- appropriate for small scale research
Unstructured observation evaluation:
STRENGTH- benefit from rich detail
WEAKNESS- risk of observer bias, can’t possibly write everything down
What are behavioural categories?
Similar to operationalisation- target behaviours to be precisely defined and made observable and measurable (affection being hugging, kissing, etc)
Behavioural categories evaluation:
STRENGTH- data collected more structured and objective
WEAKNESS- could lack validity if something is missed out
What is a continuous recording?
Unstructured insertions of all target behaviour
What is event sampling?
Counting number of times a behaviour occurs in target individual or group
Event sampling evaluation:
STRENGTH- you won’t miss infrequent behaviours
WEAKNESS- if specified event is complex the observer may overlook important details
What is time sampling?
Recording behaviour within a pre-established time frame, eg every 30 seconds for 10 seconds
Time sampling evaluation:
STRENGTH- effective in reducing number of observations that need to be made
WEAKNESS- events may be missed while the break occurs
