Observations

Question 1

Observation

Answer 1

Where the researcher observes and records ppts behaviour but does not manipulate any other variables.

Question 2

Structured observation

Answer 2

Observer has pre-determined coding categories for behaviour.

Question 3

Strength of structured observation

Answer 3

Easier to record and to obtain inter-rater reliability.

Question 4

Weakness of structured observation

Answer 4

Reductionist and can lower validity.

Question 5

Unstructured observation

Answer 5

Observer records everything observed during the observation.

Question 6

Strength of unstructured observation

Answer 6

Increases validity and gives you a wider range of context.

Question 7

Weakness of unstructured observation

Answer 7

Harder to record and establish reliability. Open to observer bias.

Question 8

Naturalistic observation

Answer 8

Observation is set in a natural environment.

Question 9

Strength of naturalistic observation

Answer 9

High in ecological validity

Question 10

Weakness of naturalistic observation

Answer 10

Low in reliability.

Question 11

Controlled observation

Answer 11

Observation is set in an artificial environment.

Question 12

Strength of controlled observation

Answer 12

High in reliability.

Question 13

Weakness of controlled observation

Answer 13

Lacks ecological validity.

Question 14

Covert observation

Answer 14

Participants are unaware we are being watched.

Question 15

Strength of covert observation

Answer 15

Increases validity.
Obtain more natural behaviours.
Less chance of social desirability and demand characteristics.

Question 16

Weakness of covert observation

Answer 16

Ethical issues as it is hard to obtain informed consent.

Question 17

Overt observation

Answer 17

Participants are aware they are being watched.

Question 18

Strength of overt observation

Answer 18

Easier to get informed consent.

Question 19

Weakness of overt observation

Answer 19

Decreases validity.
Higher chance of social desirability and demand characteristics.

Question 20

Participant observation

Answer 20

Researcher takes part in the activities the participants are doing.

Question 21

Strength of participant observation

Answer 21

Greater accuracy and detail.
May be only way to observe behaviour.

Question 22

Weakness of participant observation

Answer 22

Reduces validity as researcher can influence behaviours.
Ethical issues.

Question 22

Non-participant observation

Answer 22

Researcher remains separate from activities participants are doing.

Question 23

Strength of non-participants observation

Answer 23

Easier to be objective as there is no influence on behaviour.

Question 23

Weakness of non-participant observation

Answer 23

Cant observe certain behaviour.
Less detail and accuracy.

Question 24

Event Sampling

Answer 24

Every occurrence of behaviour that is on the behaviour code checklist, is observed and recorded.

Question 25

Strength of event sampling

Answer 25

Less likely to miss event.
Increases validity and reliability.

Question 26

Weakness of event sampling

Answer 26

Hard if lots of behaviour occurs at once, so events may be missed and not coded for.

Question 27

Time sampling

Answer 27

Behaviour, that is on the behaviour code checklist, is observed and recorded at specific time intervals.

Question 28

Strength of time sampling

Answer 28

More representative over time and can get more reliable observations.

Question 29

Weakness of time sampling

Answer 29

Can miss important events if they occur not in timed intervals.+