Research methods - key terms

Question 1

Observation

Answer 1

The systematic process of watching, recording, and analyzing behaviors, events, or phenomena in a natural or controlled setting.

Question 2

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 2

A research method in which behavior is observed in its natural setting without any interference or manipulation.

Question 3

Participant Observation

Answer 3

The researcher becomes a part of the group or community being studied, actively participating in their activities while observing them.

Question 4

Non-participant Observation

Answer 4

The researcher observes subjects without actively participating in their activities.

Question 5

Structured Observation

Answer 5

A controlled observation in which specific behaviors are targeted for observation, often using a predefined checklist.

Question 6

Unstructured Observation

Answer 6

A flexible observation method where the observer records any relevant behavior without a predefined checklist.

Question 7

Event Sampling

Answer 7

Focusing on observing ALL specific behaviors or events within a given time frame.

Question 8

Time Sampling

Answer 8

Observing behavior at specific intervals or time periods, e.g. every 5 minutes for one minute

Question 9

Overt Observation

Answer 9

Observing individuals openly with their awareness and consent.

Question 10

Covert Observation

Answer 10

Observing individuals without their knowledge or consent, typically used when obtaining consent is not feasible.

Question 11

Inter-rater Reliability

Answer 11

The degree of agreement between different observers when they independently observe and code the same behavior.

Question 12

Intra-Observer Reliability

Answer 12

The consistency of observations made by the same observer over time.

Question 13

Observer Bias

Answer 13

When the observer’s preconceived notions or expectations influence their observations, leading to skewed results.

Question 14

Hawthorne Effect

Answer 14

Oberserver effect named after the car manufacture plant study that kept making more cars regardless of changes purely due to them working harder because they were being watched to see the effect of each change

Question 15

Observer Effect

Answer 15

The impact that the presence of an observer can have on the behavior being observed.

Question 16

Reactivity

Answer 16

When participants change their behavior because they know they are being observed.

Question 17

Nominal Data

Answer 17

Data that categorizes observations into distinct groups or categories.

Question 18

Descriptive Statistics

Answer 18

Methods used to summarize and describe observed data, such as mean, median, mode, and range.

Question 19

Qualitative Data

Answer 19

Data that provides descriptions and characteristics, often obtained through open-ended observations.

Question 20

Quantitative Data

Answer 20

Data that is numerical and can be analyzed using statistical methods.

Question 21

Sampling Method

Answer 21

The process of selecting a subset of a population for observation or study.

Question 22

Case Study

Answer 22

An in-depth examination of a single individual or a small group of individuals. Can be done using an observation

Question 23

Cross-Sectional Study

Answer 23

Observations and data collection are performed at a single point in time.

Question 24

Longitudinal Study

Answer 24

Observations and data collection are performed over an extended period of time.

Question 25

Demand Characteristics

Answer 25

Cues in the research setting that can lead participants to guess the study’s purpose and change their behavior accordingly.

Question 26

Participant Reactivity

Answer 26

Changes in behavior due to the participant’s awareness of being observed.

Question 27

Validity

Answer 27

The degree to which an observation method measures honest and natural behaviour.

Question 27

Reliability

Answer 27

The extent to which an observation or measurement method produces consistent results. Could it be carried out EXACTLY the same way again?

Question 28

Opportunity Sampling

Answer 28

Selecting the most readily available participants for observation.

Question 29

Pilot Study

Answer 29

A small-scale study conducted before the main study to test and refine observation methods.

Question 30

Temporal Validity

Answer 30

The extent to which observations accurately represent the target behavior over time.

Question 31

Observer Drift

Answer 31

When observers’ standards for recording behavior deteroriate over time. Usually in event sampling as they lose concentration

Question 32

Going Native

Answer 32

During participant observation the researcher may become deeply involved in the studied group or culture to the point where they lose objectivity.

Question 33

Coding Frame

Answer 33

A structured and systematic way of categorizing and classifying observed behaviors or data during the data analysis phase.

Question 34

Tally Chart

Answer 34

A simple and efficient method of recording the frequency of specific behaviors, events, or characteristics during observations.

Question 35

Controlled Observation

Answer 35

A systematic research method in psychology where the researcher carefully manipulates and controls the variables in an artificial or controlled setting.

Question 36

Structured Observation Schedule

Answer 36

A predefined and organized form or checklist for recording observations, often used in structured observations.

Question 37

Subject Reactivity

Answer 37

When participants modify their behavior because they are aware they are being observed but do not fully understand the study’s purpose.

Question 38

Covert Participant Observation

Answer 38

A method in which the researcher actively participates in the group but conceals their identity and purpose.

Question 39

Behavioral Categories

Answer 39

Specific, predefined behaviors or actions that the observer is looking for during the observation.

Question 40

Observer Training

Answer 40

The process of educating observers to ensure they understand the observation method and are consistent in their data collection. A way to improve inter rater reliability

Question 41

Observer Checklist

Answer 41

A tool used to systematically record behaviors by checking off predefined categories or items.

Question 42

Social Desirability Bias

Answer 42

When participants modify their behavior during observation to present themselves more favorably, often due to social expectations.