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PSYCHOLOGY- RESEARCH METHODS > Observational Techniques > Flashcards

Observational Techniques Flashcards

1
Q

What is a controlled observation?

A

Where researchers observe behaviour in a structured environment e.g. lab

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2
Q

What is a naturalistic observation?

A

Where researchers observe participants in their natural environment e.g. home

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3
Q

What is a covert observation?

A

Where participants are unaware that they are being observed

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4
Q

What is an overt observation?

A

Where participants are aware that they are being researched

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5
Q

What is a participant observation?

A

Where the researcher becomes part of the group being studied

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6
Q

What is a non- participant observation?

A

Where the researcher observes the group from a distance, they are not involved in any activities

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7
Q

What is a structured observation?

A

Researcher uses behavioural categories to observe and record behaviours

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8
Q

What is an unstructured observation?

A

Doesn’t involve behavioural categories. The researcher records all behaviours as they occur

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9
Q

What is meant by ‘event sampling’?

A

Recording every instance of a particular behaviour whenever it occurs during the observational period

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10
Q

What is meant by ‘time sampling?’

A

Observing and recording behaviours at specific, regular time intervals e.g. every 5 mins

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11
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of controlled observations?

A

ADVANTAGE- more standardised than a natural observation, this increases the reliability of the results
DISADVANTAGE- demand characteristics could occur as the environment isn’t natural, participants may act differently which reduces external validity

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12
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of naturalistic observations?

A

ADVANTAGE- demand characteristics can be eliminated as participants are unaware, this increases external validity
DISADVANTAGE- little control over other external variables, lowering internal validity

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13
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of covert observations?

A

ADVANTAGE- demand characteristics can’t interfere as participants are unaware they are being observed, this increases validity
DISADVANTAGE- ethical implications-> issues such as invasion of privacy and deception may occur

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14
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of overt observations?

A

ADVANTAGE- ethical issues are reduced, informed consent gained
DISADVANTAGE- demand characteristics, participants may change their behaviour which reduces validity

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15
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of participant observations?

A

ADVANTAGE- lower demand characteristics
DISADVANTAGE- objectivity is reduced, researcher bias may be prominent

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16
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of non- participant observations?

A

ADVANTAGE- more objective, the observer is removed from the situation
DISADVANTAGE- demand characteristics could be increased as participants can see that the researcher is observing them

17
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of structured observations?

A

ADVANTAGE- makes collecting data easier, inter-observer reliability is easier to establish
DISADVANTAGE- some behaviours may not be important, quantitative data collected which may lack detail

18
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of unstructured observations?

A

ADVANTAGE- more detailed and in depth results are provided
DISADVANTAGE- greater risk of observer bias, qualitative data is collected which is harder to analyse than quantitative

19
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of event sampling?

A

ADVANTAGE- useful if desired behaviour happens infrequently
DISADVANTAGE- too complex, observer may overlook details

20
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of time sampling?

A

ADVANTAGE- reduces the number of observations that must be made
DISADVANTAGE- outside of specific time interval behaviours could be missed, this makes the results not as representative

PSYCHOLOGY- RESEARCH METHODS (16 decks)

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