Observational Design Flashcards
1
Q
Structured observation
A
- Observations are quantified.
- Uses a pre-determined list of behaviours and sampling methods.
- A behavioural checklist is made.
- There is structure to the observation.
2
Q
Unstructured observation
A
- Write down everything you see - no structure.
- Produces accounts of behaviour that are rich in detail.
3
Q
Strengths of structural observations
A
- Numerical data = objective.
- Numerical data = easier to compare and analyse.
- Quantitive data.
4
Q
Limitations of structured observations
A
- Less detail.
- Limiting of behavioural categories.
5
Q
Strengths of unstructured observations
A
- More natural.
- Reduce demand characteristics.
- More detail.
- Less limiting.
6
Q
Limitations of unstructured observations
A
- Low internal validity
- Difficult to analyse
- More subjective
7
Q
Behavioural categories
A
- When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable.
- Target behaviours should be precisely defined and made observable and measurable.
- No ambiguity or overlap.
- Should list all the ways in which the behaviour may occur within their behavioural checklist.
8
Q
Sampling methods
A
- Unstructured observations - continuous recording of an individual.
- Structured observations - systematic way of recording behaviour.
9
Q
Event sampling
A
- Counting the number of times a behaviour occurs in a target individual group.
10
Q
Event sampling evaluation
A
- Useful when a behaviour happens infrequently so could be missed with time sampling.
- If event is complex then the observer may overlook important details.
11
Q
Time sampling
A
Recording behaviour within a pre-established time frame
12
Q
Time sampling evaluation
A
- Reduces amount of observations that have to be made.
- May be unrepresentative of the observer as a whole.
