Observational Methods Flashcards
Participant observation?
Behaviour recorded by researcher who’s engaged with them as part of the social setting.
Strengths of participant observation?
+Give observer insight into parts real emotions and motives.
+Parts unaware of observers role so behave more normally, increasing validity.
Weaknesses of participant observation?
- Parts aware that they’re being observed-responses may not reflect what they’d normally do.
- Involved in social group can make observer subjective
Non participant observation?
Behaviour recorded by researcher who’s not engaged with them as part of a social setting
Strengths of non participant observation?
+Observer remain objective about situation as they’re not involved.
+If covert, can use equipment to make accurate and detailed records
Weaknesses of non participant observation?
- Ethical issues-informed consent/right to withdraw.
- if parts are aware it’s likely to have an impact on their behaviour
Overt observation?
The role of the observer is known to the parts
Strength of overt observation?
+more ethical
Weakness of overt observation?
-Responses may not reflect what they would normally do (aware of observer even if unaware of real reason )
Covert observation?
Parts unaware they’re being watched
Strength of covert observation?
+More likely to react in a genuine way
Weaknesses of covert observation?
- Raises ethical issue
- If it’s participant observation then it’s difficult to recover data accurately.
- Validity compromised if observer is identified
Naturalistic observation ?
Behaviours seen in parts normal environment recorded without interference from researchers
Strengths of naturalistic observation?
+React realistically-less likely to be aware they’re being observed.
+Useful for obtaining observations where interventions would be unethical or when cooperation would be unlikely.
Weaknesses of naturalistic observation
- Extraneous variables not controlled-Low validity
- difficult to ensure reliability of data collection as recording equipment would be obvious(Overt not taking )
- validity compromised if observer identified/suspected
Controlled observation?
Behaviours recorded in situations where there has been some manipulation(social/Physical environment).
Conducted in either parts natural environment or artificial situations.
Strengths of controlled observation?
+Data recording reliable-equipments used.
+High validity-controls over extraneous variables.
+Greater range of behaviours explored
Weaknesses of controlled environment?
- Parts May react differently as they’re in an unfamiliar environment.
- Aware of artificial environment so responses don’t reflect what they’d normally do.
- social situation limited-can’t represent the reality of complex social setting
What’s a coding frame ?
Uses observations to represent different behavioural categories and their dimensions such as severity.
What’s structures observation?
Records a specified range of behaviours in pre decided and pre defined categories.
Strengths of structured observation?
+Reliable-operationally defined behavioural categories agreed between observers.
+Practising the use of data collection techniques improves inter rater reliability.
+video data used so rapidly occurring behaviours aren’t missed-improved validity
Weaknesses of structured observation?
- Simple definitions may not convey sufficient meaning(Eg; ‘lifting a hand’ can be friendly wave or intimidating threat)
- Pre determined behavioural categories may be limiting if new behaviours become apparent.
Unstructured observation ?
Recording a non specified wide range of behaviours including any that seem relevant
Strengths of unstructured observation?
+Data Richer as any relevant behaviour can be recorded.
+Detailed descriptions of behaviours means observation give a more complete picture of the situation.
Weaknesses of unstructured observation?
- May miss important aspects by trying to record everything.
- Irrelevant Data May distract from important features.
- Without operational definitions recording may be inconsistent and subjective.
What’s inter observer reliability?
The extent to which 2 observers will produce the same records when they watch the same event.
Event sampling ?
Uses a checklist of possible activities which are tallied as they occur
Strengths of event sampling ?
+Record every occurrence of each behaviour to give a complete record.
+Easy to obtain and analyse as they’re just totals.
Weaknesses of event sampling ?
-No indication of the order in which events from behavioural category occur and the relative tome spent on each behavioural category.
What’s time sampling ?
Uses a limited list of possible activities recorded to short, specified time intervals
Strengths of time sampling ?
+Gives and indication of order in which events happen and the relative time spent on each behaviour.
Weaknesses of time sample?
- Difficult to record as many different behaviours as you can in event sampling.
- Hard to obtain as timings have to be precise.
What’s instantaneous scan sampling ?
Only the action being performed at the start of each preset interval is recorded- increase reliability
What’s one zero sampling ?
Records whether behaviour occurred within the time period
What’s predominant activity sampling ?
Observer Watches throughout the interval and records behaviour that the individual performed the most during that time
