Observational Design

Question 1

Behavioural Categories:

Answer 1

When target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable.

Question 2

Event sampling:

Answer 2

A target behaviour or event is first established then the researcher records this event every time it occurs.

Question 3

Time sampling:

Answer 3

A target individual or group is first establishes then the researcher records their behaviour in a fixed time frame.

Question 4

Why is inter-observer reliability important?

Answer 4

It is recommended that researchers do not conduct observational studies alone. Single observers may miss important details or many only notice events that confirms their opinions. Must have at least 2 researchers.

Question 5

Features of Inter-obsever reliability:

Answer 5

1. Observers should familiarise themselves with the behavioural categories.
2. They then observe the same behaviour at the same time, maybe in a pilot study.
3. Observers should compare the data they have recorded and discuss any different comparisons.
4. Obsevers should analyse data from the study and this is calculated by correlating each pair of observations made and an overall figure is produced.

Question 6

E: Structured vs Unstructured

Answer 6

1. Structured observers that use behavioural categories, make the recording of data easier and more systematic.
2. Data is likely to be numerical, analysing the data is more straightforward, qualitative data is more difficult to record and analyse.
3. Unstructured observations, greater depth of detail. May be bias as there are no objective categories.
4. May only record behaviour that catches their eye.

Question 7

E: Sampling Methods

Answer 7

1. E sampling is useful when the target b or e happens quite infrequently and could be missed if t sampling is used. But the specified event may be too complex and they may overlook important details.
2. T sampling is effective in reducing the number of observations that have ti made. May be unrepresentative.

Question 8

E: BC

Answer 8

1. The use of bc can make data collection more structured and objective, so they must be clear and unambiguous.
2. They must be observable, measurable and self-evident (not require further interpretation).
3. All possible target behaviours are included in the checklist and they should be exclusive and not overlap.