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Psychology > Observations(research methods) > Flashcards

Observations(research methods) Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an observation ?

A

A research method where no variables are manipulated and ppts are watched and their behaviour is recorded

Used as a technique to record behaviour in experiments

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2
Q

What are the two types of observation

A

Participant observation

Non participant observation

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3
Q

What is participant observation

A

The observer acts as part of the group being watched

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4
Q

Non- participant observation

A

The researcher does not become part of the group being observed

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5
Q

Participant observation strengths

A

Insight into ppts emotions and motives

Ppts may be unaware so high internal validity- natural behaviour

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6
Q

Weaknesses of ppt observation

A

Observers may be subjective as they’re part of the group

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7
Q

Strengths of non-participant observation

A

Observers can remain objective as they’re not involved

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8
Q

Weaknesses of non- participant observation

A

If ppts unaware, ethical issues

If ppts are aware , behaviour may change

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9
Q

Covert observation

A

They don’t know they’re being watched

‘Undercover observation’
Ppts are not aware of being observed

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10
Q

Overt observation

A

‘Open observation’

Ppts are aware of being observed

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11
Q

Covert observation strengths

A

Ppts behave naturally

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12
Q

Covert observation weaknesses

A

Ethical issues

May be difficult to maintain covert status

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13
Q

Overt observation strengths

A

More ethical

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14
Q

Overt observation weaknesses

A

Ppts may not behave as they normally do

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15
Q

Naturalistic observations

A

Observations can take place in a natural situation

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16
Q

Controlled observations

A

Observations can take place where some variables are controlled and manipulated

17
Q

Strengths of naturalistic observation

A

Natural behaviour:
High internal and ecological validity
Useful in situations where it would be unethical to intervene

18
Q

Strengths of controlled observation

A

Data recording more reliable- equipment can be used

Control over extraneous variables

19
Q

Weaknesses of naturalistic observation

A

No control over extraneous variables

If ppts become aware of the observation behaviour may change - low validity

20
Q

Weaknesses of controlled observation

A

Demand characteristics

21
Q

Unstructured observation

A

All( relevant) behaviours are recorded

Usually qualitative data

22
Q

Structured observation

A

Only selected behaviours are recorded- pre- determined categories
Usually quantitative data

23
Q

What are behavioural categories

A

The pre-determined units of behaviour to be observed

24
Q

What are the two behavioural categories

A

Verbal

Physical

25
Q

Recording behaviours

A

Behavioural categories can be made more precises by using coding frames/ scheme
These are used to differentiate behaviours
Behaviours that have different levels/ severities are represented as abbreviations or ‘codes’

26
Q

What are the coding frames for verbal aggression (N,T,M)

A 
N= name calling 
T= threats 
S= shouting
27
Q

What are the coding frames for physical aggression

A

H=hitting
B=biting
K=kicking

28
Q

Structured observation strengths

A

Pre determined categories can be agreed beforehand, increases reliability

29
Q

Weaknesses of structured observation

A

Limited categories of behaviour

No context to give meaning to behaviours

30
Q

Strengths in unstructured behaviour

A

No limit in what can be recorded- rich and varied data

Detailed descriptions give context to behaviour

31
Q

Weaknesses of unstructured observation

A

Observers can miss important info

Recording may be subjective and inconsistent

32
Q

What are the two behaviour sampling methods

A

Time sampling

Event sampling

33
Q

Time sampling

A

Observations within a set time frame may be made at regular time intervals and behaviours coded
Eg every 10 mins

34
Q

Event sampling

A

Keep a tally chart of every time a behaviour in your categories occurs within a set time frame

35
Q

Time sampling strengths

A

Should be representative of overall time spent on each behaviour
More manageable

36
Q

Time sampling weaknesses

A

Some behaviours may be missed

37
Q

Strengths of event sampling

A

Every behaviour is recorded to give a complete record

38
Q

Weaknesses of event sampling

A

May be difficult for observers when a lot is happening at the same time

Psychology (34 decks)

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