observations Flashcards
What is an observation?
observing and recording the behaviour of people
How is an observation different to other research methods?
it is non-experimental
What does non-experimental mean?
only watching the sample (no direct involvement)
When in a study would an observation take place?
before an experiment
What are strengths of using an observation?
- can see how people really behave and not how they say they would behave (self-report) = more valid
- good starting point for future research
What are the weaknesses of an observation?
- difficult to replicate
- observer bias
- lack of objectivity
- little/ no control over extraneous variables - cannot infer causality
What are the two types of observation that relate to the setting?
naturalistic & controlled
What is a naturalistic observation?
when participants are observed in their natural environment and nothing has been manipulated
What is a controlled observation?
when participants are observed in a laboratory (controlled setting) where certain variables can be manipulated
What are the strengths of a naturalistic observation?
- high in ecological validity
- valid (natural behaviours)
What are the weaknesses of a naturalistic observation?
- low control = harder to replicate = less reliable
- observer bias
What are strengths of a controlled observation?
- high control over extraneous variables
- standardised = more reliable
What are weaknesses of a controlled observation?
- lacks ecological validity (artificial environment)
- demand characteristics are more likely
- observer bias
What are the two sub categories of observations?
structured and unstructured
What is an unstructured observation?
writing down all behaviour seen during the observation period
What type of data is collected during an unstructured observation?
qualitative
What are strengths of an unstructured observation?
- qualitative data (reasoning behind behaviour)
- useful starting point (when unsure what to expect)
What are the weaknesses of an unstructured observation?
- no quantitative data (harder to analyse)
- difficult to accurately conduct without video recording = ethical issues (confidentiality and consent)
What is a structured interview?
having a coding scheme of behaviours they expect to see and tick off using check list or tally
What type of data is collected from a structured observation?
quantitative
What are strengths of a structured observation?
- objective
- quantitative data (easy to analyse)
- easier to test for inter-rater reliability
What are the weaknesses of a structured observation?
- limited (can only record a pre-determined list of behaviours)
- no qualitative data (no reasoning)
- observer bias is more likely
What are the two ways to record data?
time sampling and event sampling
What is time sampling?
picking a time interval and only recording behaviours during those set times
What is an example of a time interval for time sampling?
30 seconds
What can be evaluated about time sampling?
it allows time to record behaviours BUT cannot account for behaviours outside of the time frame
What is event sampling?
only recording a specific ‘event’ or behaviour throughout the whole observation period
What is event sampling the same as?
structured observations
Why are the two similar?
they both include ticking / tallying of pre-determined behaviour
What sentence should go at the end of every event sampling exam question?
‘continuously throughout the whole observation period’
What is a participant observation?
when observers become apart of the group they are observing
What are the strengths of a participant observation?
- ecologically valid (natural behaviours are more likely)
- lots of qualitative data - better understanding of behaviour
What are the weaknesses of a participant observation?
- observer bias - lack objectivity as relationships are built
- ethical issues - invasion of privacy - no consent
- time consuming
- difficult to achieve
What is a non-participant observation?
observer is not apart of the group and is clearly an outsider who looks like they are observing
What are the strengths of a non-participant observation?
- reduced observer bias
- less time-consuming
- less ethical issues
What are the weaknesses of a non-participant observation?
- less ecologically valid - if clear an outsider (demand characteristics)
What does overt mean?
participants knowing they are being observed
What is a strength of overt observations?
less ethical complications - aware they are being observed
What is a weakness of overt observations?
demand characteristics
What is a covert observation?
participants are not aware they are being observed
What is a strength of covert observations?
less chance of demand characteristics
What is a weakness of covert observations?
ethical issues
- no consent
- invasion of privacy
