Observational Techniques Flashcards
Name the 8 Types of Observational Techniques and the 2 choices of methods used in observations
Observational Techniques:
- Overt
- Covert
- Participant
- Non-participant
- Structured
- Unstructured
- Naturalistic
- Controlled
Methods
- Time-sampling
- Event sampling
Comparison of Covert and Overt Observation
Overview:
Covert - undisclosed: participant is not aware
Overt: Participant is aware
Strengths :
Covert - Investigator effects and demand characteristics are less likely to occur
Overt - More ethical: informed consent is obtained
Limitations
Covert - Less ethical: lack of informed consent
Overt - Investigator effects and demand characteristics are more likely to occur
Comparison of Participant and Non-participant Observation
Overview:
Participant - researcher takes part (close proximity)
Non-participant - researcher does not take part (not close proximity)
Strengths:
Participant - in depth data is gathered due to close proximity
Non-participant - investigator effects and demand characteristics less likely to occur
Limitations:
Participant - investigator effects and demand characteristics likely to occur
Non-participant - might miss behaviours of interest due to lack of proximity
Comparison of Naturalistic and Controlled Observation
Overview:
Naturalistic - takes place in unalterted setting
Controlled - takes place in artifical setting
Strength:
Naturalistic - high eco validity
Controlled - can be replicated to check for reliability
Comparison of Structured and Unstructured Observation
Overview:
Structured - behaviour is coded using behavioral categories
Unstructured - every instance of behaviour is recorded and described
Difference between time sampling and event sampling
Time-sampling is where the researcher records behaviour at prescribed intervals
Event-sampling is where the observer records the number of times that the target behaviour occurs e.g. using a tally
