Research methods - key terms Flashcards
Observation
The systematic process of watching, recording, and analyzing behaviors, events, or phenomena in a natural or controlled setting.
Naturalistic Observation
A research method in which behavior is observed in its natural setting without any interference or manipulation.
Participant Observation
The researcher becomes a part of the group or community being studied, actively participating in their activities while observing them.
Non-participant Observation
The researcher observes subjects without actively participating in their activities.
Structured Observation
A controlled observation in which specific behaviors are targeted for observation, often using a predefined checklist.
Unstructured Observation
A flexible observation method where the observer records any relevant behavior without a predefined checklist.
Event Sampling
Focusing on observing ALL specific behaviors or events within a given time frame.
Time Sampling
Observing behavior at specific intervals or time periods, e.g. every 5 minutes for one minute
Overt Observation
Observing individuals openly with their awareness and consent.
Covert Observation
Observing individuals without their knowledge or consent, typically used when obtaining consent is not feasible.
Inter-rater Reliability
The degree of agreement between different observers when they independently observe and code the same behavior.
Intra-Observer Reliability
The consistency of observations made by the same observer over time.
Observer Bias
When the observer’s preconceived notions or expectations influence their observations, leading to skewed results.
Hawthorne Effect
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
Observer Effect
The impact that the presence of an observer can have on the behavior being observed.
Reactivity
When participants change their behavior because they know they are being observed.
Nominal Data
Data that categorizes observations into distinct groups or categories.
Descriptive Statistics
Methods used to summarize and describe observed data, such as mean, median, mode, and range.
Qualitative Data
Data that provides descriptions and characteristics, often obtained through open-ended observations.
Quantitative Data
Data that is numerical and can be analyzed using statistical methods.
Sampling Method
The process of selecting a subset of a population for observation or study.
Case Study
An in-depth examination of a single individual or a small group of individuals. Can be done using an observation
Cross-Sectional Study
Observations and data collection are performed at a single point in time.
Longitudinal Study
Observations and data collection are performed over an extended period of time.
Demand Characteristics
Cues in the research setting that can lead participants to guess the study’s purpose and change their behavior accordingly.
Participant Reactivity
Changes in behavior due to the participant’s awareness of being observed.
Validity
The degree to which an observation method measures honest and natural behaviour.
Reliability
The extent to which an observation or measurement method produces consistent results. Could it be carried out EXACTLY the same way again?
Opportunity Sampling
Selecting the most readily available participants for observation.
Pilot Study
A small-scale study conducted before the main study to test and refine observation methods.
Temporal Validity
The extent to which observations accurately represent the target behavior over time.
Observer Drift
When observers’ standards for recording behavior deteroriate over time. Usually in event sampling as they lose concentration
Going Native
During participant observation the researcher may become deeply involved in the studied group or culture to the point where they lose objectivity.
Coding Frame
A structured and systematic way of categorizing and classifying observed behaviors or data during the data analysis phase.
Tally Chart
A simple and efficient method of recording the frequency of specific behaviors, events, or characteristics during observations.
Controlled Observation
A systematic research method in psychology where the researcher carefully manipulates and controls the variables in an artificial or controlled setting.
Structured Observation Schedule
A predefined and organized form or checklist for recording observations, often used in structured observations.
Subject Reactivity
When participants modify their behavior because they are aware they are being observed but do not fully understand the study’s purpose.
Covert Participant Observation
A method in which the researcher actively participates in the group but conceals their identity and purpose.
Behavioral Categories
Specific, predefined behaviors or actions that the observer is looking for during the observation.
Observer Training
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
Observer Checklist
A tool used to systematically record behaviors by checking off predefined categories or items.
Social Desirability Bias
When participants modify their behavior during observation to present themselves more favorably, often due to social expectations.
