observational design Flashcards
Behavioural categories
when a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable
Event sampling
a target behaviour or event is first established then the researcher records this event every time it occurs
counting the number of times a particular behaviour occurs in a target individual or group
Time sampling
a target individual or group is first established then the researcher records their behaviour in a fixed frame → recording behaviour within a pre-established time frame
what should target behaviours be in behavioural categories?
Target behaviours should be precisely defined, observable and measurable
sampling method example
continuous recording (all behaviour is recorded
inter observer reliability
observational studies should not be conducted alone. This introduces bias into the research process. At least two researchers should carry it out to make the data recording more objective and unbiased → said data can then be compared for consistency and reliability
strengths of structured observation
Produces numerical quantitative data
Involve behavioural categories to make recording data easier and more systematic
structured observation
simplified target behaviours using behavioural categories
unstructured observation
researcher writes down everything they see
strength of unstructured observation
Benefit from richness and in depth data
limitations for unstructured observation
- Produce more qualitative data →more difficult to record and analyse
- Risk of observer bias
strength of behavioural categories
Can make data collection more structured and objective
strength for event sampling
Useful when target behaviour or event happens quite infrequently
limitation of event sampling
Observer may overlook important details
strength of time sampling
Effective in reducing number of observations needed
