Observational design Flashcards
What is an unstructured observation?
When the researcher wants to collect as much data as possible.
Produces accounts of behaviour rich in detail
What is a structured observation?
Clearly defining target behaviours e.g. in categories
What are behavioural categories?
When behaviour is divided into components that are observable and measurable.
What is event sampling?
When target behaviour is established and then recorded every time it occurs
What is time sampling?
Target individual or group is established and their behaviour is recorded in a fixed time frame, e.g. every minute
Evaluate structured observations.
Strength:
+ Easier to record data + more systematic
+ Produces quantitative data - objective data makes it easier to compare observed behaviour between participants
Weakness:
Evaluate unstructured observations.
Strength:
+ Produce qualitative data, so generate in depth detail of data
Weakness:
- Produce qualitative data - can make data more difficult to analyse
- Observer bias - researcher may only record behaviours that catch his eye - may not be useful
Evaluate behavioural categories.
Strength:
+ Data collected is structured and objective
What behavioural categories must be:
¬Categories must be clear - they must be observable, measurable and self-evident, not requiring further interpretation
¬ All possible forms of target behaviour should be included on checklist
¬ Categories must be exclusive and not overlap, e.g. ‘Smiling’ and ‘Grinning’.
Evaluate event sampling.
Strength:
+ Useful when target behaviour happens infrequently and could be missed with time sampling
Weakness:
- If specified event/behaviour is too complex, researcher may overlook important details
Evaluate time sampling.
Strength:
+ Reduces amount of observations made
Weakness:
- Instances where behaviour is recorded may be unrepresentative
