Observations Flashcards
Controlled Observation & their validity and reliability
A controlled observation takes place in a highly controlled lab environment.
- high internal validity
-The environment may feel unnatural so behaviour may be abnormal
Natural observation & their validity and reliability
Takes place in a normal everyday setting and nothing is manipulated.
- high ecological validity
- demand characteristics
Overt observation & their validity and reliability
Where pps know they are being watched and studied.
- avoids lack of consent
- altered behaviour due to observation
Covert observation & their reliability and validity
Where pps are unaware they are being watched and studied.
- pps behave more naturally
- lack of informed consent
Pps observation & their validity and reliability
Where the researcher is actively involved in the study.
- able to monitor and record behaviour in detail
- observer bias
No pps observation & their validity and reliability
Where the research watches and records from the side lines and does not belong to that group.
-increased objectivity
- reduces validity
Structured Observation & their validity and reliability
Where the observer has a set behavioural checklist or exactly which behaviours they are interested in recording.
- improves inter rather reliability
- observer bias
Unstructured Observation & their validity and reliability
Where the researcher records all relevant behaviour but has no system.
- useful when behaviour being studied is unpredictable
- behaviours recorded are often those most eye-catching rather than relevant
Time sampling
Where behaviour is recorded at set intervals e.g every 5 mins
Event Sampling
Where a list of behavioural categories is created and the researcher counts every time those behaviours are displayed in a specific time period.
