Observations

Question 1

Observational Techniques

Answer 1

Methods of studying behaviours, for example understanding behaviours in certain circumstances, or just trying to understand causes or origins of behaviours.

Question 2

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 2

Observation takes place in the environment the behaviour would normally take place in. Nothing is controlled, it is just observing.

Question 3

Controlled Observation

Answer 3

Control certain aspects of the situation. One-way mirrors may be used to record the behaviour.

Question 4

Covert Observation

Answer 4

When participants are unaware they’re being observed for a study and the observers are hiding in secret. Behaviour has to be public and happen without any input from the observers to be ethical.

Question 5

Overt Observation

Answer 5

When participants know their behaviour is being observed and that they’re taking part in the observation. Participants are normally transparent about the purpose of the research.

Question 6

Participant Observation

Answer 6

Researchers are apart of the group or situation being observed.

Question 7

Non-participant observation

Answer 7

Behaviour observed at a distance so researchers are not involved in the situation. Could record behaviours through hidden cameras.

Question 8

Observational Design: Unstructured Observations

Answer 8

Depends on how the researcher intends to record data. Might want to write down everything they see. Typical of small scale observations.

Question 9

Observational Designs: Structured Observations

Answer 9

Might be too much happening in an observation so specify target behaviours that are the main focus of the investigation. Let researchers quantify observations using a list of behaviours they’re looking for. e.g. number of times this person exhibits this behaviour.

Question 10

Event Sampling

Answer 10

Using agreed behaviours that are categorized. The number of times it happens is then recorded. Does not matter who does the behaviour. Typically these are behaviours of aggression.

Question 11

Time Sampling

Answer 11

Using an agreed list of behaviours and measuring the amount of times in time intervals the behaviours occur segmenting the number of behaviours in each segment of time.