Observational Methods Flashcards
What are cofounding variables?
extraneous variables which affect outcome of results
What are 2 examples of cofounding variables?
ppt characteristics
situational variables
What is expectancy effect?
occurs if the ppt expects a certain results so unconsciously affects outcome
What is a confounding variable found in between-subjects design?
Constancy = trying to keep groups similar
individual differences
What are 3 ways to make groups more similar in between-subjects design?
1 - natural group design
2- matched group design
3- random allocation
What is natural group design?
example of non-smoker or smokers
naturally occurring groups that don’t need to be manipulated
But don’t keep confounding variables constant
What is matched group?
when you match ppts based on certain characteristics like age, gender
What is random allocation?
randomly assign ppts to a group
sizes of groups should be similar
What is a cofounding variable found in a within-subjects design?
Order effects e.g boredom. habituation, sensitisation
How do you deal with cofounding variables in a within-subjects design?
counterbalancing
What is a incomplete within-subjects design?
ppts experiences condition once
order of administration varies between ppts
Practice effects are balanced between ppts
What is a complete within-subjects design?
ppts experiences condition multiple times
Order of administration varies within ppts
Practice effects are balanced within ppts
What are the 2 counterbalancing methods that are specific to complete within-subjects design?
Block randomisation
ABBA design
What is block randomisation?
a block consists of all conditions
ppts complete each block
each time the conditions are within a different, random order
What is the ABBA design?
present one random sequence of conditions to ppt
then present them with opposite sequence
What is observation without intervention?
using a naturalistic observation
behaviours occur naturally
passive recording of behaviour
e.g to go a coffee shop and count people there
What is observation with intervention?
when researcher creates and manipulates environment
What are the 3 types of observation with intervention?
ppt overt observation
ppt covert observation
structured observation
field experiment
What is a strength of overt observation?
can openly record data
ethical
natural setting
What is a weakness of overt observation?
observer influence
social desirability
What is a strength of covert observation?
minimises observer influence
access to particular social groups
ecological validity
What is a weakness of covert observation?
ethical issues
researcher bias
What is a strength of structured observation?
replication is possible
data analysis is easier
What is a weakness of structured observation?
demand characteristics/ expectancy effects
What are the 3 features that make a good observational study?
1- high inter rater reliability
2- low ppt reactivity (ppts modifying behaviour)
3- low observer bias
How do you reduce ppt reactivity?
use unobtrusive measurements like one way mirrors, covert design
