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.