Observational Research Method Flashcards
Observational research:
Involves systematically watching and recording behavior in natural settings.
What is overt observation?
A type of observation where participants are unaware they are being observed, using hidden viewpoints or cameras.
How can observers conduct Covert Observation?
By using hidden viewpoints, cameras, or by joining a group while hiding their intentions.
What is an example of Covert Observation?
Research where participants are unaware of the observation and its purpose.
What is Overt Observation?
Research where participants are aware of the observation and its purpose.
What do participants know in Overt Observation?
They are informed about the observations taking place and what they involve before they occur.
What is a strength of Overt Observation?
Participants are aware of the observation, which can lead to more ethical practices and informed consent.
What is a weakness of Overt Observation?
Participants may alter their behaviour due to being observed (Hawthorne effect), leading to less natural responses.
What is a weakness of Covert Observation?
Ethical concerns arise due to lack of informed consent, potentially violating participants’ privacy.
How does Overt Observation affect data collection?
It may produce data that is influenced by the participants’ awareness of being observed.
How does Covert Observation impact researcher insights?
It allows researchers to gain insights into behaviours that participants might not openly share or demonstrate.
What is Participant Observation?
Observers become part of the group they are studying, fitting themselves in the situation.
How does a researcher conduct Participant Observation?
By taking on a role related to the study, like acting as a customer to observe shopper behaviour.
How do researchers conduct Non-Participant Observation?
They might use cameras or other methods to observe without direct involvement, like hidden cameras in a nursery.
What is Non-Participant Observation?
Researchers observe without being involved, watching from a distance to minimise bias.
What is a weakness of Participant Observation?
The researcher’s involvement may influence the behavior of those being observed.
The researcher may miss important context or nuances of behaviour that only immersion can provide.
What is a strength of Participant Observation?
It allows researchers to gather rich, detailed data from within the group.
What is a weakness of Non-Participant Observation?
The researcher’s involvement may influence the behaviour of those being observed.
What is a strength of Non-Participant Observation?
It helps maintain objectivity and reduces the risk of influencing participant behaviour.
what does behavioural catagories mean?
a detailed list of all behaviours to be recorded during an observation
What is an example of defining aggressive behaviour?
Creating a list of all possible actions that could be considered aggressive in nursery children.
How is the observational checklist used?
To systematically record findings during the observation period using the coding system.
What is a coding system in observations?
A method developed to record behaviors efficiently and objectively based on defined categories.
What does operationalisation of behavior involve?
Clearly defining and categorising behaviors for accurate measurement and analysis in research.
What needs to be decided before conducting observations?
The length of the observation period and the frequency of observations.
event sampling
A way to record behaviors by counting how often certain events happen, using a table.
what is Time sampling
A method where behaviors are recorded at set times, so the order of events can be tracked.
controlled
HIghly controlled setting, variables and location are controlled by observers. (+Lacks ecological validity , -variable control)
Naturalistic
- A fully natural setting where participants are being observed (+ecological validity, - less control over external variables)
What is a limitation of Event Sampling?
It only counts how many times things happen and doesn’t show the order of events.
How can time sampling be done?
By recording events every 30 seconds during the observation.
what is the benefit of using a checklist in sampling?
They help make observations more objective by providing a clear way to record data
What is a challenge with using checklists?
Different observers might see and record behaviors differently, which can cause inconsistency.
positives of controlled observation
+There is a high level of control which means there is an overall reduction in external/environmental interference. +It is easier to establish cause and effect relationships in a controlled setting.
negative of controlled observation
-The environment and setup is artificial, meaning that participant behaviour may not be natural. For example, they may know they are being watched and try to please the researchers.
positives of naturalistic observation
+Because the observation is taken in a natural setting, participant behaviour is more likely to be natural, allowing findings to be generalized to everyday life. +Ecological Validity
what is controlled observation?
A type of observation conducted in labs where researchers watch participants in an artificial setting.
what is naturalistic observation?
Observation conducted in a natural setting where researchers watch from a distance.
