Observational Design

Question 1

Behavioral Categories

Answer 1

Target behaviors that should be precisely defined and mode observable and measurable. Before the observation begins, the researcher should ensure they have included all of the ways in which the target behavior may occur.

Question 2

Event Sampling

Answer 2

A target behavior or event is recorded every time is occurs

Question 3

Time Sampling

Answer 3

Observations are made at regular intervals

Question 4

Strengths and Weaknesses of Event Sampling

Answer 4

• May record infrequent behavior
• Complex behavior is oversimplified

Question 5

Strengths and Weaknesses of Time Sampling

Answer 5

• Reduces the number of observations
• May be unrepresentative

Question 6

Inter-Observer Reliability

Answer 6

• Observations should be carried out by at least two researchers
• Pair of observers should be consistent in judgement and that any data they record is the same or very similar

Question 7

How is Inter-Observer Reliability Tested?

Answer 7

• Familiarize with the behavioral categories, observe the same behavior at the same time
• Compare the data, correlate each pair, the correlation of the two must be 0.8 or above to be considered reliable.