Observational design

Question 1

T / F:

- Unstructured observations produce observations which are low in details.

Answer 1

False - they are high in details

Question 2

T / F:

- Behavioural checklists have to be precisely defined to ensure clarity in the recording.

Answer 2

True.

Question 3

T / F:

- Structured observations tend to produce quantitative data which is difficult to analyse.

Answer 3

False - this data is easy to analyse.

Question 4

T / F:

- Event sampling involves recording the behaviour on every occurrence.

Answer 4

True.

Question 5

T / F:

- Time sampling is better if the behaviour occurs regularly as it requires less recording by the researcher.

Answer 5

False - you will lose the behavioural insight.

Question 6

T / F:

- Behavioural categories must be observable, measurable and self-evident.

Answer 6

True.

Question 7

T / F:

- Observer bias is a danger in an unstructured observation as the observer may be bored.

Answer 7

True.

Question 8

What are behavioural catagories?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

How is inter-observer reliability calculated?

Answer 9

It is calculated by correlating each pair of observations made and an overall figure is produced.

Question 10

How can observations be more objective and unbiased?

Answer 10

Observations should be carried out by at least two researchers.

Question 11

When many observers all identify the same things, what is this called?

Answer 11

Inter-observer reliability.

Question 12

Why is it recommended that researchers do not conduct observational studies alone?

Answer 12

Because single observers may miss important details or may only notice events that confirm their opinions or hypothesis (introducing bias).

Question 13

What must be done in order to produce a structured record of what a researcher observes?

Answer 13

Behavioural categories, (a.k.a behavioural checklist).

Question 14

What is time sampling?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Which type of observation does the researcher write down anything that they see?

Answer 15

Unstructured observation.

Question 16

Which aspect of observational design is similar to the idea of operationalisation?

Answer 16

Behavioural checklists.

Question 17

When many observers agree on the same things this called high inter-observer reliability, give an example of an experiment with this high reliability:

Answer 17

Mary Ainsworth’s experiment the Strange Situation.

Question 18

What is event sampling?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Which observational design is likely to produce accounts of behaviour that are rich in detail?

Answer 19

Unstructured observation.

Question 20

Which design is most appropriate when observations are small in scale and involve few participants?

Answer 20

Unstructured observation.

Question 21

In a behavioural categories, suggest how the target behaviour of ‘affection’ could be broken down:

Answer 21

Hugging, kissing, smiling, holding hands, etc.

Question 22

Structured observations use what to identify the count of target behaviours?

Answer 22

They use behavioural categories.

Question 23

What should behavioural categories be broken down into?

Answer 23

Observational categories, these are observable and easy to identify and clarify.

Question 24

Continuous recording is a key feature of which type of observation?

Answer 24

Unstructured observations.

Question 25

Suggest why a structured observation more suitable than an unstructured observation?

Answer 25

When there is too much going on in a single observation for the researcher to record it all.

Question 26

Why is continuous observation a key feature of unstructured observations?

Answer 26

Because all behaviours must be observed, especially those related to the target behaviour.

Question 27

Which type of observation is suitable for observing interaction between a couple and a therapist within a marriage guidance counselling session?

Answer 27

Unstructured observation.

Question 28

AO3 - Structured data production.

Answer 28

Structured observations involve use of behavioural categories, these produce numerical (quantitative) data which can be easily analysed and compared.

Question 29

AO3 - Unstructured data production.

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

AO3 - Observer bias.

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

AO3 - Behavioural catagories.

Answer 31

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’.

Question 32

Which type of observation is likely to produce qualitative data?

Answer 32

Unstructured observations as there are no behavioural categories present.

Question 33

Which type of observation is likely to produce quantitative data?

Answer 33

Structured observations as the behavioural categories are typically numerical.