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research methods and approaches > Observational techniques > Flashcards

Observational techniques Flashcards

1
Q

Strength of covert observation

A

Investigator effects are less likely so less chance of demand characteristics so behaviour will seem more natural and representative

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2
Q

Covert observations

A

Consists of observing people without their knowledge e.g one way mirror

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3
Q

Weakness of covert observation

A

Ethical issues - participants not aware they are taking part in observation so can’t give consent

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4
Q

Overt observation

A

Participants know they are being observed e.g filming publicly

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5
Q

Strength of overt method

A

More ethical than covert, so representation of psychological research as ethical is protected

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6
Q

Weakness of overt observations

A

Investigator effects so they change their behaviour through demand characteristics , not authentic natural behaviour being observed

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7
Q

Investigator effect

A

bias occurs when the investigator influences the behaviour of the participants in a way that’s not intended e.g facial expressions

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8
Q

Participant observation

A

Person who is conducting the observation also takes part in the activity

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9
Q

Strength of participant observation

A

Researcher can obtain in depth data since they’re in close proximity
Unlikely to overlook behaviour so allows comprehensive understanding

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10
Q

Weakness of participant observation

A

Investigator effect, changing behaviour through demand characteristics
Natural behaviour not observed so reduced internal validity

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11
Q

Internal validity

A

Extent to which a piece of evidence supports a claim, within the context of a particular study

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12
Q

Non participant observation

A

Person conducting experiment doesn’t take part

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13
Q

Strength of non participant observation

A

Investigator effects less likely to occur as investigator observes from a distance, representative of natural and unaltered human conduct

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14
Q

Naturalistic observation

A

Carried out in an unaltered setting, observer does not interfere in any way e.g shopping centre

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15
Q

Strength of naturalistic observation

A

Higher level of ecological validity, reflecting spontaneous behaviour that may occur

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16
Q

Ecological validity

A

Measure of how test performance predicts real world behaviour

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17
Q

Weakness of naturalistic observations

A

Issues with reliability, the test- retest method cannot be used of checking reliability

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18
Q

Reliability

A

Consistency of results

19
Q

Validity

A

Accuracy of results

20
Q

Controlled observation

A

Conducted under strict conditions e.g in an observation room or lab where extraneous variables can be controlled e.g time, noise, temp

21
Q

Strength of controlled observation

A

Can be replicated to check reliability so standardised procedures can be repeated by diff researches

22
Q

Standardised procedures

A

Making a test uniform, setting it to specific standard in which everyone is treated exactly the same and have the same experience

23
Q

Weakness of controlled observation

A

Lower level of external validity, due to artificial environment
Observation feels unnatural so may alter participants response so no longer representative of real life

24
Q

External validity

A

Findings that can be generalised, they represent the outcomes that occur in a wider population than just the sample

25
Q

Structured observation

A

researcher uses coded schedules according to previously agreed formula and organise data into behavioural categories . Predetermined questions, tools, items

26
Q

Behavioural categories

A

Breaking down the target behaviour (aggression) into components that can be observed and measured (hitting or kicking)

27
Q

Strength of structured observation

A

Researcher can compare behaviour between participants across groups
Use of behaviour categories makes coding of data more systematic (according to a fixed plan)

28
Q

Weakness of structured observation

A

Not very high internal validity because researcher may miss some crucial behaviours
Findings may lack the finer details

29
Q

Unstructured observation

A

Involves every instance of the observed behaviour being recorded and described in as much detail as possible

30
Q

Strength of unstructured observation

A

Richness of data obtained
Researchers obtain comprehensive view of human behaviour
High internal validity

31
Q

Weakness of unstructured observation

A

Prone to observer bias due to lack of objective behaviour categories
Problem with inter observer reliability as lack of constancy in observations

32
Q

Inter- observer reliability

A

Degree of agreement between people observing the same thing

33
Q

What makes something an experiment

A

Manipulating the IV and look at effect on DV

34
Q

Demand characteristics

A

participants changing their behaviours or responses based on what they think the research is about

35
Q

Social desirability

A

to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favourably by others

36
Q

Control

A

The extent to which the variable is held constant by the researcher

37
Q

Confounding variable

A

an unmeasured third variable that influences both the supposed cause and the supposed effect.

38
Q

Mundane realism

A

The extent to which a study mirrors real life

39
Q

time sampling

A

where an observer records behaviour at prescribed intervals

40
Q

strength of time sampling

A

allows for a better use of time since fewer observations are made

41
Q

limitation of time sampling

A

not every behaviour of relevance to the inestigation will be counted if it occurs inbetween allocated time frames

42
Q

event sampling

A

observer records the number of times the target behaviour occurs

43
Q

strength of event sampling

A

every behaviour of interest in theory will be counted from beginning through to end of observation

44
Q

limitation of event sampling

A

theres a possibility that some behaviours could be missed if there is too much happening at same time, some not coded

research methods and approaches (26 decks)

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