Observations w7

Question 1

What are the goals of observational research?

Answer 1

To describe behaviour as it occurs in the natural setting. To describe the variables that are present + relations among them.

Question 2

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 2

Observing behaviour in everyday enviros. It is typical behaviour - observer is unobtrusive

Question 3

What is participant observation?

Answer 3

Researcher is a participant - part of group being observed.

Question 4

What are issues with participant observation?

Answer 4

Presence of researchers may affect behaviour. Less objective interpretations. Ethical issues and issues in recording data.

Question 5

What is required in an observation?

Answer 5

A human observer and some interpretation or judgement.

Question 6

What ethical issues arise for observations? Advice?

Answer 6

Consent and privacy issues. Good to explain consent and privacy as it helps people be more aware of how their data will be used.

Question 7

What is participant reactivity and why is it an issue? Solution

Answer 7

When ppts’ behaviour is affected by awareness of being part of study - hawthorne effect - know they’re being observed. Unobtrusive recording.

Question 8

What is observer bias and what can be done to reduce it?

Answer 8

Observers may be biased in their interpretations of behaviour - e.g. to suit hypothesis. Use multiple observers and assess inter-rater reliability. Use behaviour checklists or coding systems.

Question 9

What is absence of control?

Answer 9

Because variables can’t be manipulated - falsification of strong claims is possible.