Observational Techniques Flashcards
1
Q
Structured observations
A
- Behaviour is observed with a predetermined coding scheme to record the participants’ behaviour.
- There are behavioural methods and sampling methods.
2
Q
Structured observations advanatges
A
- It improves the inter observer reliability due to the behavioural categories.
- Observers rate consistently.
3
Q
Structured observations disadvantages
A
- Lack detail- don’t know the why of behaviour.
- Ignores any behaviours not on the coding sheet.
4
Q
Unstructured observations
A
- Observer watches and records all behaviour seen.
- There are no behavioural categories or sampling methods, the researcher notes down everything they see.
5
Q
Unstructured observations advantages
A
- Useful when behaviours observed is unpredictable.
- Good as a pilot study to then make behavioural categories in the full observation.
6
Q
Unstructured observations disadvantages
A
- Behaviours that are eye catching are recorded but they may not be the most relevant.
- Poor inter observer reliability as no behavioural categories.
7
Q
Naturalistic observations
A
- When the setting being observed has not been manipulated by researcher.
8
Q
Natural observations advantages
A
- Has higher ecological as it is natural, non artificial, spontaneous behaviour being observed.
9
Q
Natural observations disadvantages
A
- Subject to possible extraneous variables, we can’t be certain of.
10
Q
Controlled observations
A
- When some variables in the setting being observed have been manipulated.
11
Q
Controlled observations advantages
A
- More controlled, higher internal validity as we can be more certain that the behaviour observed is due to manipulation of the situation.
12
Q
Controlled observations disadvantages
A
- Lower ecological validity as the participants may act in an artificial way due to artificial environment.
- Demand characteristics present.
13
Q
Covert observations
A
- An observation conducted without the participants knowledge that its happening.
14
Q
Covert observations advanatges
A
- See the participants act more naturally and not alter their behaviour due to lack of awareness of being observed.
15
Q
Covert observations disadvantages
A
- Has significant ethical issues, like consent.
- An observer may misinterpret behaviour.
16
Q
Overt observations
A
- When the participants are aware they are being observed.
17
Q
Overt observations advantages
A
- Avoid ethical issues as participants will have been informed of the observation and will be able to withdraw.
18
Q
Overt observations disadvantages
A
- May see observer effects, so the participants alter their behaviour as they are aware they’re being observed.
19
Q
Participant observations
A
- When the observer is a participant in the behaviour they observed.
20
Q
Participant observations advantages
A
- Will likely generate more detail regarding behaviour that could be understood in greater depth.
21
Q
Participant observations disadvantages
A
- May be subject to observer bias, so researchers opinions may influence what they record.
22
Q
Non participant observations
A
- When the observer is not a participant in the behaviour being observed.
23
Q
Non participant observations advanatges
A
- More objective as the observer is psychologically and physically distanced for behaviour and should show little bias.
24
Q
Non participants observations disadvantages
A
- May include less detail and understanding as they are at a distance from the group and have little close interaction to expand understanding, so behaviours may be misread.
