Observational Techniques Flashcards
what are the 3 ways we can collect data
- observation
- experiments
- self-report
what are non-experimental methods
- e.g. observations
- no manipulation variables, no IV/DV = therefore aren’t classed as experiments
- simply observe and look for behaviour or patterns
can we draw ‘cause and effect’ relationships from using non-experimental methods
no
when could we use observations
- as a technique or a method
- done in the context of lab/field studies
- used to measure DV or gain additional data to add to main collection method
what are the different sub-types of observations
- Naturalistic or controlled
- structured or unstructured
- participant or non-participant
- Overt or covert
can you combine multiple observations?
- yes
- its possible to have a naturalistic, structured, non-participant, covert observation
what is natural observation
behaviour is studied in a natural situation where everything has been left as it normally is
what is controlled observation
some variables are controlled by the researcher, reducing the naturalness of the behaviour being studied
what is a structured observation
uses systems to organise observations
what is an unstructured observation
the researcher will record all relevant behaviour but has no system
what is participant observation
the researcher participates in the activity under study
what is non-participant observation
the researcher observes the activity without getting involved in it
what is overt observation
the participants are aware that they’re being observed
what is covert observation
the participants are unaware that they’re being observed
what do we need to do before observing behaviour
- operationalise the behaviour being studied
- breaking it down into categories to create an observation schedule to record the behaviours (observational categories)
what is event sampling
- counting the number of a certain behaviour (event) occurs in a target individual or individuals
- e.g. how much a person smiles in 10 mins
what is time sampling
- recording behaviour in a given time frame
- e.g. every 10 mins
How do we ensure observations are reliable
INTER-RATER RELIABILTY
- using more than one observer
- if they agree = it has inter-rater reliability
what is the strengths to using observational techniques
- High ecological validity (if natural observation)
- produces rich data on the actual behaviour of people
- when they’re unaware that they’re being observed = less chance of demand characteristics
- can be used to generate hypotheses for future experimental research
- participants can’t lie because your not asking their opinions
what is the weaknesses to using observational techniques
- lack of control over extraneous variables because there’s no manipulation
- difficult to establish cause & effect = because no variables get manipulated
- difficult to get high inter-observer reliability, unless they’re well trained (expensive)
- if observing without consent = ethical issues on consent
- can be subject to observer bias
True or false? Non-participant observations are more objective
- true
- researcher not involved = unlikely to be biased
True or false? Participant observations are less likely to miss behaviours
- True
- they’re involved in the study, so can notice it when it happens
True or false? Participant observations are less likely to suffer from observer bias
- False
- Researcher could put their preconceived ideas forward to participants = change their behaviour
True or false? Non-participant observation increase the likelihood of demand characteristics
- False
- It’s participant observation that does
True or false? Privacy and consent are ethical issue associated with covert observations
- True
- they don’t know they’re being observed = can’t consent properly and might leak private info without knowledge
True or false? Time sampling may mean the observer may miss behaviours
- True
- Not constantly watching if focused on time
True or false? Event sampling may reduce validity of the observation
- false
- increase instead of reduce
True or false? Covert observations leads to increased ecological validity
- true
- as long as conditions are normal
True or false? Overt observations can lead to participants changing their behaviour to be seen more favourably
- True
- Demand characteristics = social desirability
True or false? Participant observation can provide unique insights into behaviour
- true
- first person feedback
How can observer bias be reduced
- By using more than 1 observer
- use double blind technique
How can we increase the reliability of observations
- training observers in the use of a coding system
- using more than 1 observer and checking their agreement
- to establish inter-rather reliability
