observations Flashcards
What are behavioral categories in observational design?
Behavioral categories are specific, clearly defined actions or behaviors that a researcher looks for during an observation. They should be objective and mutually exclusive, meaning each behavior falls into one category and categories do not overlap.
What are the strengths of behavioral categories?
Strengths: Clear and systematic way to record behaviors, reducing ambiguity and ensuring reliability. Makes data collection more manageable and focused.
What are the limitations of behavioral categories?
Limitations: They can oversimplify complex behaviors and may miss important actions that don’t fit into the categories. Categories can also be subjective if not defined properly.
What is event sampling in observational design?
Event sampling is a method of recording every instance of a specific behavior or event during an observation, no matter how often it occurs.
What are the strengths of event sampling?
Strengths: Useful when the behavior is infrequent or significant. Ensures that important events are recorded, even if they happen sporadically.
What are the limitations of event sampling?
Limitations: It can lead to missing other behaviors that occur between events. The observer might focus too much on the target behavior and overlook others.
How do you carry out event sampling?
To carry out event sampling, identify the behavior to observe and note every instance of that behavior as it occurs during the observation period.
What is time sampling in observational design?
Time sampling involves recording behavior at predetermined time intervals, such as every 30 seconds or every minute, regardless of what is happening at that time.
What are the strengths of time sampling?
Strengths: Provides structured and systematic data, reducing observer bias. Useful for recording frequent behaviors in a manageable way.
What are the limitations of time sampling?
Limitations: May miss important behaviors that occur outside the set time intervals. The timing could result in data that lacks contextual depth.
How do you carry out time sampling?
To carry out time sampling, set fixed intervals during which you record the behavior of interest. The observation is only focused on what occurs during those intervals.
What are the types of observation in research?
The main types of observation include naturalistic observation, controlled observation, covert observation, overt observation, participant observation, and non-participant observation.
What is naturalistic observation?
Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in its natural setting without interference or manipulation by the researcher.
What are the strengths of naturalistic observation?
Strengths: High ecological validity because the behavior is observed in its natural context. Behavior is more likely to be genuine and unaffected by artificial settings.
What are the limitations of naturalistic observation?
Limitations: Lack of control over variables, making it difficult to establish cause and effect. Observers may also introduce bias, and there may be ethical concerns regarding consent.
What is controlled observation?
Controlled observation takes place in a controlled setting, where the researcher manipulates one or more variables to observe behavior under specific conditions.
What are the strengths of controlled observation?
Strengths: Greater control over extraneous variables, leading to higher internal validity. Allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
What are the limitations of controlled observation?
Limitations: Lower ecological validity because the behavior may not be representative of real-world situations. Participants may behave differently due to the artificial setting.
What is covert observation?
Covert observation is when the participants are unaware they are being observed, ensuring their natural behavior is recorded.
What are the strengths of covert observation?
Strengths: The behavior is more natural because the participants are unaware they are being observed, reducing the risk of demand characteristics.
What are the limitations of covert observation?
Limitations: Ethical concerns about lack of informed consent. Participants may feel their privacy has been invaded if they later discover they were observed.
What is overt observation?
Overt observation is when participants are aware they are being observed, and the researcher’s presence is known.
What are the strengths of overt observation?
Strengths: Ethical, as participants give informed consent. The researcher can also openly take notes and interact with participants.
What are the limitations of overt observation?
Limitations: Participants may alter their behavior due to the awareness of being observed (known as the Hawthorne effect).
What is participant observation?
Participant observation is when the researcher becomes actively involved in the group or setting being observed, often participating in the activities.
What are the strengths of participant observation?
Strengths: Provides a deeper understanding of the behavior being studied due to the researcher’s immersion in the environment. Can offer insights that non-participant observation cannot.
What are the limitations of participant observation?
Limitations: Researcher bias may affect objectivity as they become too involved. Ethical concerns about the researcher’s role in influencing the group’s behavior.
What is non-participant observation?
Non-participant observation is when the researcher observes the group or setting without becoming involved in the activities.
What are the strengths of non-participant observation?
Strengths: Greater objectivity because the researcher is not involved in the group. Allows for clearer distinctions between researcher and participant roles.
What are the limitations of non-participant observation?
Limitations: The researcher may miss out on insider perspectives and deeper understanding of behaviors. May also be perceived as distant or intrusive by participants.
