Observations Flashcards
What is a Structured Observation?
When researchers know what they want to research and therefore create a structure (checklist)
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a Structured Observation?
Strengths: More scientific,
More reliable,
All data is relevant
Weaknesses: Can only record behaviours that are on your checklist
What is an unstructured Observation?
When the researcher records all behaviours they witness (don’t have a checklist)
What are the strengths and weaknesses of an unstructured Observation?
Strengths: More detail
Weaknesses: Missing behaviour (too much to write down)
What is a Naturalistic Observation?
Observations in a natural environment
The researcher doesn’t interfere
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a Naturalistic Observation?
Strengths: Normal behaviour (high ecological validity)
Weaknesses: Very little control (anything can happen)
What is a Controlled Observation?
When the observation situation is staged
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a Controlled Observation?
Strengths: Won’t get things interfering with the observation (more accurate)
Weaknesses: High amount of control causes situations to feel artificial (might not get real behaviour)
What is a Participant Observation?
When the researcher becomes part of the group being observed and takes an active role in the observation
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a Participant Observation?
Strengths: Provides in-depth knowledge (good vantage point),
Avoids researcher bias,
Greater insight
Weaknesses: Researcher joining group may alter behaviour,
Easy to become emotionally involved
What is a Non-Participant Observation?
When the researcher is not part of the group being observed and does not take an active role
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a Non-Participant Observation?
Strengths: Can remain more objective
Weaknesses: Distance means you might not see everything
What is a Covert Observation?
When the researcher observes participants in secret
Participants are not aware that they’re being observed
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a Covert Observation?
Strengths: More likely to get natural behaviour
Weaknesses: Less ethical
What is an Overt Observation?
The researcher informs participants that they’re being observed
What are the strengths and weaknesses of an Overt Observation?
Strengths: More ethical
Weaknesses: Might not get natural behaviour
What are Behavioural Categories?
Clearly defined behaviours that can be observed and recorded
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Behavioural Categories?
Strengths: Easier to record the same behaviours,
Higher inter-rater reliability
Weaknesses: Time consuming
What are Coding Frames?
Sub-categories among Behavioural Categories (in coded form) to allow for more specific behaviours to be recorded
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Coding Frames?
Strengths: More precise
Weaknesses: Time consuming
What is Time Sampling?
When researchers record data within specified time intervals
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Time Sampling?
Strengths: Researchers may stay more focused,
Weaknesses: Miss behaviours that could occur when you’re not recording
What is Event Sampling
When researchers record every occurrence of behaviours within a specified period of time
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Event Sampling?
Strengths: Allows you to record all behaviours
Weaknesses: Time consuming
What is Inter-rater Reliability?
The extent to which researchers- observing the same behaviour, in the same way- agree on the results
What are Observer Effects?
Participants may change their behaviour if they know they’re being observed
What is Observer Bias?
A tendency for the researcher to see what they’d expect to see
