observations

Question 1

what must observations be?
why must we record what we see and hear?

Answer 1

must be selective.
what we see or hear is recorded in some way to allow the info to be analysed and interpreted.

Question 2

what two things can observations generate?
give examples.

Answer 2

qualitative and quantitative.
-tally counts
-observer narratives
-audio or video recordings

Question 3

what is event sampling?
give an example.

Answer 3

a procedure whereby the observer records each event that meets a predetermined definition.
-ticking a box every time someone scratches their head.

Question 4

what is time sampling?

Answer 4

occurs when the researcher decides on a time interval (5 seconds) and then records what behaviour is occurring at that time.

Question 5

what are the 3 types of observation and their definitions?

Answer 5

-naturalistic vs structured: where it usually goes on or setting up a place for it to specifically happen. no manipulation occurs in natural setting.

-covert vs overt: covert doesn’t know they are being watched whilst overt knows they are being watched. (see changing in behaviour)

-participant vs non-participant: participant is when the researcher is involved and non participant is when the researcher is watching and observing.

Question 6

strength and weakness of natural observation

Answer 6

strength- high ecological validity, (real life settings) behaviour is natural.

weakness- lack of control over extraneous variables, difficult to replicate.

Question 7

strength and weakness of structured observations

Answer 7

strength- high control over variables, easy to replicate, can focus on specific behaviours.

weakness-low ecological validity duo to artificial setting. behaviour may be unnatural.

Question 8

strength and weakness of overt observations

Answer 8

strength- ethically sound (informed consent obtained)

weakness- observer effects may alter participants behaviour, reducing validity.

Question 9

strength and weakness of covert observations

Answer 9

strength- reduces demand characteristics and observer effects, increasing validity.

weakness- ethical issues (lack of informed consent) limited to public settings.

Question 10

strength and weakness of participant observations

Answer 10

strength- provides detailed in depth data and insight into group dynamics

weakness- observer may become biased or influence group behaviour

Question 11

strength and weakness of non-participant observations

Answer 11

strength- observer remains objective and avoids influencing the group

weakness- may miss subtle group dynamics or deeper insights.