observational design AO3 Flashcards
1
Q
evaluate structured versus unstructured
A
- structured observations that involve the use of behavioural categories make the recording of data easier and more systematic
- the data produced in structured interviews is likely to be numerical which means that analysing and comparing the behaviour observed between participants is more straightforward
- unstructured observations tend to produce qualitative data which may be more difficult to record and analyse
- unstructured observations benefit from more richness and depth of detail in the data collected
- there may be a greater risk of observer bias with unstructured observations, as the objective behavioural categories that are a feature of structured observations are not present here. The researcher may only record those behaviours that ‘catch their eye’ and these may not be the most important or useful.
2
Q
evaluate behavioural categories
A
- can make data collection more structured and objective
- must make sure the data categories are as clear and unambiguous as possible. They should be observable, measurable and self-evident. They should not require further interpretation
- researchers should also ensure that all possible forms of the target behaviour are included in the checklist. There should not be a ‘dustbin category’ in which many behaviours are deposited.
- categories should be exclusive and not overlap. For instance, the difference between ‘smiling’ and ‘grinning’ would be very difficult to discern.
3
Q
evaluate sampling methods
A
- event sampling is useful when the target behaviour or event happens quite infrequently and could be missed if time sampling was used.
- however, if the specified event is too complex, the observer may overlook important details if using event sampling.
- time sampling is effective in reducing the number of observations that have to be made.
- that said, those instances when behaviour is sampled might be unrepresentative of the observation as a whole.
