Observational Research Method Flashcards

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1
Q

Observational research:

A

Involves systematically watching and recording behavior in natural settings.

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2
Q

What is overt observation?

A

A type of observation where participants are unaware they are being observed, using hidden viewpoints or cameras.

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3
Q

How can observers conduct Covert Observation?

A

By using hidden viewpoints, cameras, or by joining a group while hiding their intentions.

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4
Q

What is an example of Covert Observation?

A

Research where participants are unaware of the observation and its purpose.

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5
Q

What is Overt Observation?

A

Research where participants are aware of the observation and its purpose.

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6
Q

What do participants know in Overt Observation?

A

They are informed about the observations taking place and what they involve before they occur.

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7
Q

What is a strength of Overt Observation?

A

Participants are aware of the observation, which can lead to more ethical practices and informed consent.

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8
Q

What is a weakness of Overt Observation?

A

Participants may alter their behaviour due to being observed (Hawthorne effect), leading to less natural responses.

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9
Q

What is a weakness of Covert Observation?

A

Ethical concerns arise due to lack of informed consent, potentially violating participants’ privacy.

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10
Q

How does Overt Observation affect data collection?

A

It may produce data that is influenced by the participants’ awareness of being observed.

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11
Q

How does Covert Observation impact researcher insights?

A

It allows researchers to gain insights into behaviours that participants might not openly share or demonstrate.

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12
Q

What is Participant Observation?

A

Observers become part of the group they are studying, fitting themselves in the situation.

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13
Q

How does a researcher conduct Participant Observation?

A

By taking on a role related to the study, like acting as a customer to observe shopper behaviour.

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14
Q

How do researchers conduct Non-Participant Observation?

A

They might use cameras or other methods to observe without direct involvement, like hidden cameras in a nursery.

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15
Q

What is Non-Participant Observation?

A

Researchers observe without being involved, watching from a distance to minimise bias.

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16
Q

What is a weakness of Participant Observation?
The researcher’s involvement may influence the behavior of those being observed.

A

The researcher may miss important context or nuances of behaviour that only immersion can provide.

17
Q

What is a strength of Participant Observation?

A

It allows researchers to gather rich, detailed data from within the group.

18
Q

What is a weakness of Non-Participant Observation?

A

The researcher’s involvement may influence the behaviour of those being observed.

19
Q

What is a strength of Non-Participant Observation?

A

It helps maintain objectivity and reduces the risk of influencing participant behaviour.

20
Q

what does behavioural catagories mean?

A

a detailed list of all behaviours to be recorded during an observation

21
Q

What is an example of defining aggressive behaviour?

A

Creating a list of all possible actions that could be considered aggressive in nursery children.

22
Q

How is the observational checklist used?

A

To systematically record findings during the observation period using the coding system.

23
Q

What is a coding system in observations?

A

A method developed to record behaviors efficiently and objectively based on defined categories.

24
Q

What does operationalisation of behavior involve?

A

Clearly defining and categorising behaviors for accurate measurement and analysis in research.

25
Q

What needs to be decided before conducting observations?

A

The length of the observation period and the frequency of observations.

26
Q

event sampling

A

A way to record behaviors by counting how often certain events happen, using a table.

27
Q

what is Time sampling

A

A method where behaviors are recorded at set times, so the order of events can be tracked.

28
Q

controlled

A

HIghly controlled setting, variables and location are controlled by observers. (+Lacks ecological validity , -variable control)

29
Q

Naturalistic

A
  • A fully natural setting where participants are being observed (+ecological validity, - less control over external variables)
30
Q

What is a limitation of Event Sampling?

A

It only counts how many times things happen and doesn’t show the order of events.

31
Q

How can time sampling be done?

A

By recording events every 30 seconds during the observation.

32
Q

what is the benefit of using a checklist in sampling?

A

They help make observations more objective by providing a clear way to record data

33
Q

What is a challenge with using checklists?

A

Different observers might see and record behaviors differently, which can cause inconsistency.

34
Q

positives of controlled observation

A

+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.

35
Q

negative of controlled observation

A

-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.

36
Q

positives of naturalistic observation

A

+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

37
Q

what is controlled observation?

A

A type of observation conducted in labs where researchers watch participants in an artificial setting.

38
Q

what is naturalistic observation?

A

Observation conducted in a natural setting where researchers watch from a distance.