Observations Flashcards
What are the 7 observation techniques?
Naturalistic
Controlled
Overt
Covert
Participant
Non-participant
What’s a naturalistic observation?
Watching and recording behaviour in a setting where it would normally take place.
+/- naturalistic
+high ecological
+high external validity
-unreplicable
-uncontrolled confounding and extraneous variables
-low ecological validity of ppts are aware that they’re being watched
What’s a controlled observation?
Watching and recording behaviour in a structured behaviour in a structured environments e.g., lab setting
+/-controlled environment
+Researcher is able to focus on a particular aspect of behaviour
+more control of extraneous and confounding variables
+replicable
-more likely to be observing unnatural behaviour
-low mundane realism and ecological validity
-demand characteristics
What’s an overt observation?
Ppts are being observed and behaviour is recorded - ppts know they’re being watched
+/- overt
+ethically acceptable (informed consent)
-unnatural behaviour
-demand characteristics which reduces validity
What’s a covert observation?
Ppts are unaware they’re being watched and recorded
+/- covert
+natural behaviour recorded resulting in high validity
-ethical issues
What’s a participant observation?
Researcher is part of the group that’s being observed
+/- participant observation
+can be more insightful
-researcher may lose objectivity as they might identify too strongly with the ppts
What’s a non-participant observation
The researcher observed from a distance so isn’t part of the group being observed
+- non ppt
+researcher can be more objective
-observer bias
-loose some valuable insight
What’s observer bias?
When an observers reposts are biased by what they’re expect to see
What’s the solution to observed reports
Inter observer reliability
What’s inter observer reliability?
When multiple investigators gather info separately during observation and compare the similarity of their data after
How is inter observer reliability calculated
Total number of agreements/ total number of observations x 100
If the score is above 80% it shows high inter observer reliability thus increasing the validity of the research
What are the two different types of observational design
Unstructured
Structured
What’s an unstructured observation
Researcher writes down everything they see
+/- unstructured
+In depth detail
- Produces qualitative data which is more difficult to record and analyse
-greater risk of observer bias
What’s a structured observation
The researcher looks for predetermined lists of behaviours and sampling methods
+/- structured
+Easier and more systematic
+ Quantitative data easily analysed
+ less risk of observer bias
-not much in depth detail
-difficult to achieve high inter observer reliability
What’s a behavioural category?
Target behaviour is broken down into more precise categories e.g. aggression is broken down into hitting and shouting
What are the two sampling methods that take place during structured observation?
Time sampling
Event sampling
What’s time sampling
Recording behaviour in a set time frame that’s pre established
+/- time
+Reduced the number if observations so is less time consuming
-Unrepresentative if the whole observation
Whats event sampling
Counting the number of times a particular behaviour happens
+/- event
+Good for infrequent behaviours
-important details of the behaviour may be overlooked
-Counting errors
-Difficult to judge the beginning and end of the behaviour
