Observations

Question 1

What is the difference between covert and overt experiments?

Answer 1

Covert - Participants are UNAWARE that they are being watched.

Overt - Participants are AWARE that they are being watched.

Question 2

What is the difference between participant and non-participant observations?

Answer 2

Participant - Involves observing within the research. Eg. The Rosenham Study (mentally ill deception)

Non-participant - Researchers observing but not being personally involved. Eg. Bandura.

Question 3

What is inter-observer reliability?

Answer 3

It refers to the extent to which multiple observers agree on the behaviour that they are observing. Assessed through correlation coefficients.

Question 4

What is the difference between structured and unstructured observations?

Answer 4

Structured - Predetermined operationally defined behavioural categories. These are both reliable and valid.

Unstructured - Detailed descriptions BUT inconsistent and subjective.