Observational design Flashcards
T / F:
- Unstructured observations produce observations which are low in details.
False - they are high in details
T / F:
- Behavioural checklists have to be precisely defined to ensure clarity in the recording.
True.
T / F:
- Structured observations tend to produce quantitative data which is difficult to analyse.
False - this data is easy to analyse.
T / F:
- Event sampling involves recording the behaviour on every occurrence.
True.
T / F:
- Time sampling is better if the behaviour occurs regularly as it requires less recording by the researcher.
False - you will lose the behavioural insight.
T / F:
- Behavioural categories must be observable, measurable and self-evident.
True.
T / F:
- Observer bias is a danger in an unstructured observation as the observer may be bored.
True.
What are behavioural catagories?
When a target behaviour is broken into components that are observable and measurable.
How is inter-observer reliability calculated?
It is calculated by correlating each pair of observations made and an overall figure is produced.
How can observations be more objective and unbiased?
Observations should be carried out by at least two researchers.
When many observers all identify the same things, what is this called?
Inter-observer reliability.
Why is it recommended that researchers do not conduct observational studies alone?
Because single observers may miss important details or may only notice events that confirm their opinions or hypothesis (introducing bias).
What must be done in order to produce a structured record of what a researcher observes?
Behavioural categories, (a.k.a behavioural checklist).
What is time sampling?
A target individual or group is first established then the researcher records this event this event every time it occurs.
Which type of observation does the researcher write down anything that they see?
Unstructured observation.
Which aspect of observational design is similar to the idea of operationalisation?
Behavioural checklists.
When many observers agree on the same things this called high inter-observer reliability, give an example of an experiment with this high reliability:
Mary Ainsworth’s experiment the Strange Situation.
What is event sampling?
A target behaviour or event is first established then the researcher records this event every time it occurs.
Which observational design is likely to produce accounts of behaviour that are rich in detail?
Unstructured observation.
Which design is most appropriate when observations are small in scale and involve few participants?
Unstructured observation.
In a behavioural categories, suggest how the target behaviour of ‘affection’ could be broken down:
Hugging, kissing, smiling, holding hands, etc.
Structured observations use what to identify the count of target behaviours?
They use behavioural categories.
What should behavioural categories be broken down into?
Observational categories, these are observable and easy to identify and clarify.
Continuous recording is a key feature of which type of observation?
Unstructured observations.
Suggest why a structured observation more suitable than an unstructured observation?
When there is too much going on in a single observation for the researcher to record it all.
Why is continuous observation a key feature of unstructured observations?
Because all behaviours must be observed, especially those related to the target behaviour.
Which type of observation is suitable for observing interaction between a couple and a therapist within a marriage guidance counselling session?
Unstructured observation.
AO3 - Structured data production.
Structured observations involve use of behavioural categories, these produce numerical (quantitative) data which can be easily analysed and compared.
AO3 - Unstructured data production.
Unstructured observations tend to produce qualitative data, this is more difficult to analyse and compare. However, they benefit from more richness and depth of detail.
AO3 - Observer bias.
Unstructured interviews are more likely to fall victim to observer bias as the objective behavioural categories are not present, therefore, the researcher may only record behaviours that ‘catch their eye’ or those that fit their hypothesis.
AO3 - Behavioural catagories.
The behavioural categories make data collection more structured and objective, categories must be as clear and ambiguous as possible. They should also be exclusive such as the difference between ‘smiling’ and ‘grinning’.
Which type of observation is likely to produce qualitative data?
Unstructured observations as there are no behavioural categories present.
Which type of observation is likely to produce quantitative data?
Structured observations as the behavioural categories are typically numerical.
