research methods: observation design Flashcards
What is inter-observer reliability?
the degree of consistency between different observers recording the same behavior.
Why is it recommended that researchers do not conduct observational studies alone?
Single observers may miss important details or notice only events that confirm their opinions, introducing bias into the research process.
What is the purpose of using at least two researchers in observational studies?
To make data recording more objective and unbiased.
What should observers do to ensure inter-observer reliability?
familiarize themselves with the behavioral categories to be used.
What is one method observers can use to check for reliability?
Observers should observe the same behavior at the same time.
What is the role of a small-scale pilot study in ensuring inter-observer reliability?
It allows observers to practice and refine their observational skills before the main study.
What should observers do after recording their data?
They should compare the data and discuss any differences in interpretations.
How is inter-observer reliability calculated?
By correlating each pair of observations made to produce an overall figure.
Fill in the blank: Observations should be carried out by at least ______ researchers.
[two]
True or False: Observers should analyze the data from the study after comparing their observations.
True
What is the purpose of unstructured observation?
To write down everything the researcher sees, producing detailed accounts of behavior.
Unstructured observation is appropriate for small-scale observations with few participants.
What is a key limitation of unstructured observation?
Too much going on in a single observation may make it difficult to record everything.
This often necessitates simplifying the target behaviors.
What are behavioral categories?
A set of defined and observable behaviors that researchers focus on during structured observations.
Behavioral categories are similar to operationalization.
Give an example of how the target behavior ‘affection’ might be operationalized.
Hugging, kissing, smiling, holding hands.
Each behavior must be observable without needing inferences.
What is the importance of ensuring all ways a target behavior may occur are included?
To create a comprehensive behavioral checklist before the observation begins.
This helps in accurately capturing the target behavior.
What is continuous recording of behavior?
Recording all instances of a target behavior during unstructured observations.
This method may not be feasible for complex behaviors.
What is event sampling?
Counting the number of times a particular behavior occurs in a target individual or group.
Example: Counting dissent at a football match.
What is time sampling?
Recording behavior within a pre-established time frame.
Example: Noting a specific player’s actions every 30 seconds during a match.
True or False: Structured observations only focus on unstructured recording methods.
False.
Structured observations involve systematic sampling methods.
What is the primary advantage of structured observations?
Easier and more systematic data recording
Structured observations often produce numerical data, facilitating straightforward analysis and comparison.
What type of data do unstructured observations typically produce?
Qualitative data
This type of data may be more difficult to record and analyze compared to quantitative data.
What is a potential downside of unstructured observations?
Greater risk of observer bias
Without objective behavioural categories, researchers may only record behaviours that stand out to them.
What characteristics should behavioural categories have?
Clear, unambiguous, observable, measurable, self-evident
Categories should not require further interpretation.
What should researchers ensure regarding the checklist of behavioural categories?
Include all possible forms of target behaviour
Avoid having a ‘dustbin category’ for various behaviours.
What is the importance of exclusivity in behavioural categories?
Categories should not overlap
For example, distinguishing between smiling and grinning can be challenging if categories are not exclusive.
When is event sampling most useful?
When the target behaviour occurs infrequently
This method helps ensure that rare behaviours are not missed.
What is a limitation of event sampling?
Observer may overlook important details
This can happen if the specified event is too complex.
What advantage does time sampling provide?
Reduces the number of observations needed
This method can help manage the workload of data collection.
What is a potential drawback of time sampling?
Might produce unrepresentative samples
Instances of behaviour sampled may not reflect the overall observation.
What are behavioural categories?
Components of a target behaviour that are observable and measurable
This process is known as operationalisation.
What is event sampling?
Recording a target behaviour or event every time it occurs after establishing it
This method focuses on specific occurrences of behaviours.
What is time sampling?
Recording behaviour of a target individual or group within a fixed time frame, such as every 60 seconds
This method helps in observing behaviours over set intervals.
