observations Flashcards
What is an observation?
An observation is where someone’s behaviour is monitored and recorded based on what is visually seen.
Example: A researcher watches a child playing in the park and takes notes on their behavior.
When conducting an observation, what is often used?
You often use a coding scheme when conducting an observation.
Coding schemes help in categorizing and organizing observed behaviors for analysis.
What are the three types of sampling methods used in observations?
The three types of sampling methods used in observations are:
1. Event sampling
2. Continuous sampling
3. Time sampling
What is event sampling?
Event sampling involves using a coding scheme to tally events when they occur.
Example: Counting the number of times a child laughs during a play session.
What is continuous sampling?
Continuous sampling involves making notes of everything that is happening
Example: Recording every behavior exhibited by a student during a classroom observation.
What is time sampling?
Time sampling involves recording behaviors at specific intervals, such as every 30 seconds or once every 3 minutes over a set period of time.
Example: Noting down a child’s activities every minute during a 10-minute observation period.
What is covert observation?
When the participant does not know they are being observed.
One-way mirrors can be used to prevent participant’s awareness or CCTV can also be used.
What is a strength of covert observation?
There is less chance of demand characteristics, as participants do not know they are being observed.The findings from the covert observation would be more valid.
What is another strength of covert observation?
There is less chance of social desirability as the participants do not know they are being observed.The findings from the covert observation will be more valid.
What is a weakness of covert observation?
There are potential ethical issues as the participants do not know they are being observed.There is no consent from the participant.
What is overt observation?
In an overt observation the participant is aware that they are being observed, for example, they volunteer to be observed or you inform them beforehand.
What is a strength of overt observation?
There are less ethical issues as participants know.
Participants know they are being observed.
What is a weakness of overt observation related to demand characteristics?
There is a high chance of demand characteristics, lowering the validity as the participant may try to behave in line with what they think the observer wants to see. Demand characteristics can affect the accuracy of the observation.
What is a weakness of overt observation related to social desirability?
There is a high chance of social desirability, lowering the validity as the participants may try to behave in a way that they believe is socially acceptable.
Social desirability can bias the results of the observation.
what is a participant observation
• A participant observation is where the observation is conducted by someone who is part of the group
being observed – you join the group.
what are the strengths of a participant observation
• One strength of a participant observation is that it gathers in-depth information. This is a strength of a
participant observation as the findings will be
what are the weaknesses of a participant observation
• One weakness of a participant observation is that it may be difficult to replicate. This is a weakness of
participant observations as we can not test the findings for reliability.
• One weakness of a participant observation is the findings may be bias. This is a weakness as the findings
from the participant observation may not be valid.
• One weakness of a participant observation is that there is a high chance of demand characteristics. This
is a weakness as it lowers the validity as the participant may try to behave in line with what they think
the observer wants to see.
what’s a non participant observation
• A non-participant observation is one that is conducted by someone that is not part of the group they are
observing.
what’s a strength of non participant observation
• One strength of non-participant observation is that they may be less bias. This is a strength as the
observer can view the situations objectively.
what’s a weakness of a participant observation
Weaknesses
• One weakness of non-participant observation is that there may be demand characteristics as the
observer may influence the behaviour. This is a weakness as the findings from the observation may be
less valid.
35
• One weakness of non-participant observations is that they gather less detail. This is a weakness as the
findings may lack validity.
what’s a structured observation
• A structured observation is where the researcher controls some variables, potentially in a lab setting,
reducing the naturalness of the behaviour.
• In a structured observation the observer is causing the situation.
• Often they take place in an artificial setting, such as a playroom for children.
what are the strengths of a structured observation
-variables can be controlled.This is a strength as there is less chance of EVs
-they are often standardized so findings can be tested for reliability
-less time consuming as we cause the situation so less time consuming as we know what behaviours we are looking for
what are the weaknesses of a structured observation
-often lower in ecological validity
-high in demand characteristics
-ethical issues
whats a naturalistic observation
naturalistic observations are when we observe a behaviour that is in a natural situation where everything happens as it typically would
strengths of naturalistic observation
-high in eco validity
-reduction in demand characteristics
weaknesses of naturalistic observation
-not standardised
-may be EVs
-time consuming as we are waiting for a behaviour to occur naturally
