Observational Design Flashcards
Explain Structured observations
Target behaviour is the main focus of the observation.
This must be clearly defined before the observation
Why are structured observations used?
If there is too much going on for the researcher to record all
What do structured observations allow the researcher to do?
To quantify observations using pre- determined behaviors
E.g with clear, conscience tally charts
What type if data do structured observations produce?
Quantitative data (numerical)
What is an unstructured observation?
When the researcher writes down everything they see
When is unstructured appropriate?
When there are few PPTS or its small scale
What are benefits of unstructured?
It’s in greater depth + detail
Why are unstructured prone to observer bias?
Observer bias= when expectations impact what they see or hear
Researcher may only write down what they want to see
Or what they deem as unimportant or useless= unconscious bias
What type of data does unstructured produce?
Qualitative (wordy, over- complicated)
What are behavioral categories?
ONLY USED IN STRUCTURED OBSERVATIONS
target behaviours put in categories
They make data collection structured + objective
Must be clear + unambiguous so no more interpretation needed
Categories shouldn’t overlap
MUST BE CLEAR
Should avoid ‘dustbin’ category when behaviors deposited into category as they don’t have their own
Name all 3 sampling methods
Continuous recording
Event sampling
Time sampling
Explain continuous recording
In UNSTRUCTURED interviews
Can be problematic if complex behaviours observed
As they may be missed
Explain event sampling
FOR STRUCTURED OBSERVATIONS
target behaviour established
researcher records event each time it happens
Tally chart used
Appropriate if happens infrequently
Inappropriate if too complex as may overlook details
Explain Time sampling
FOR UNSTRUCTURED
Target group behaviour observed in fixed time frame
E.g. every 10mins for 10 observations
Appropriate if lots of people to observe
Issue may be missed if not at right time interval
What is Inter- observer reliability?
Single observers may miss details or only notice ones that confirm their hypothesis = bias
Inter- observer reliability is an agreement on extent of behavior between 2 observers
Total No. Agreements ÷ total observations > +.80 = data has high inter- observer reliability
Makes data more objective + unbiased
