PSYC*2360 Chapter 6: Observational Research Flashcards
What is the difference between descriptive and experimental research?
- Descriptive: A research design that describes what is happening
- Experimental: A research design that explores why a phenomenon occurs
What type of research involves the viewing and recording of a predetermined set of behaviours in an organized way?
Systematic observational research
What is external validity?
The extent to which a study’s findings are applicable or generalizable outside the data collection setting
What is ecological validity?
The degree to which the research situation recreates the psychological experiences that participants would have in real life
With which observational method does the researcher witness and systematically record behaviours as they occur in a controlled setting?
Laboratory observation
Which observational method has the poorest ecological validity?
Laboratory observation
With which observational method does the researcher interact with those being studied while systematically recording behaviour?
Participant observation
T or F: Using participant observation as the observational data collection technique of a study can make objectivity difficult.
True
With which observational method does the researcher witness and systematically record behaviours as they occur in their natural setting, while taking great care to avoid interfering with the behaviour under investigation?
Naturalistic observation
What does it mean for an observational data collection technique to consist of non-concealed observations?
Participants are aware that their behaviours are being recorded
When employing non-concealed observation techniques, is it common for participants to know which behaviour is being observed?
No
T or F: Participant reactivity typically remains a large obstacle throughout the entire course of observation and does not diminish overtime.
False. Typically diminishes as those under observation tend to forget someone is watching.
What does it mean for an observational data collection technique to consist of concealed observations?
Participants are unaware that their behaviours are being recorded
To be considered ethically sound, what must a reacher prove to conduct concealed observations?
They must demonstrate that concealment is necessary and be reasonably sure that participants would consent if given the option
What are coding systems in observational research?
A set of rules to help guide how a researcher classifies and records behaviours under observation
What is duration recording?
Documenting the length of time a behaviour occurs or the length of time elapsed between behaviours.
What is a frequency/count recording?
Documenting each time a target behaviour occurs
The way in which the observer notes the particulars of the behaviour or phenomenon they are observing is referred to as what?
An observation schedule
T or F: The observation schedule as well as coding definitions and categories are typically refined when observers are trained.
True
T or F: A researcher’s investment in their study may compromise the ability to be objective when making observations.
True
T or F: Observer training does not help minimize potential biases.
False
What are blind observations?
An observational data collection technique in which observers are trained to look and code for particular behaviours but are uninformed about the overall purpose or hypothesis of the investigation
What is the difference between intra-observer reliability and inter-observer reliability?
- Intra-observer: The extent to which an observer is consistent within their own codings
- Inter-observer: The level of agreement between different observers’ coding of the same situation
What is pilot testing?
A trial run to test and refine a study prior to carrying out the actual research
What is interval recording?
Breaking down an observational period into equal, smaller time period, then documenting whether a target behaviour occurred during each time period
What is continuous recording?
Documenting all behaviours of a target individual during a specified observation period
What is contrived observation?
When the researcher artificially introduces a variable of interest, then unobtrusively records what happens
What are descriptive statistics?
Statistics that describe or summarize quantitative data in meaningful ways
T or F: Descriptive statistics allow for conclusions to be drawn about hypotheses.
False. That is what inferential statistics are for.
What is the difference between a categorical and continuous variable?
- Categorical: Can be classified into two or more distinct groupings
- Continuous: Have an infinite number of different values between two given points
What is a frequency distribution?
A summary of how often the individual values or ranges of values for each variable occurs
What is the mode of a data set?
The most frequently occurring value
Which measure of central tendency is used most often with categorical data?
Mode
How is mode typically denoted?
M subscript O
What is the mean of a data set?
The mathematically calculated average
How is mean typically denoted?
M
What is the median of a data set?
The value found at the exact middle of the set of scores
How is median typically denoted?
Mdn
What is Cohen’s kappa coefficient?
A statistical measure of inter-observer reliability between two observers for categorical items
Why is Cohen’s kappa coefficient a better measure of agreement than determining the percentage of overlap between observers?
Because it takes into account the agreement occurring by chance
