Research Methods:Observations and Ethics Flashcards
What can observational research involve?
4 things
-cameras/CCTV
-one way mirror
-making notes
-behavioural checklists
What are the types of observational research?
naturalistic
controlled
covert
overt
participant
non-participant
What is the difference between a naturalistic/controlled observation?
natural-carried out in natural settings
controlled-conducted under more controlled circumstances
What is the difference between an overt/covert observation?
overt-ppts are aware they are being studied
covert-ppts are not aware they are being studied
What is the difference between a ppt/non-ppt observation?
ppt-observer becomes part of the group they are studying
non ppt-observer remains separate from those they are studying
Why are behavioural categories used in observational research and what do they allow?
What must these categories do? 2
because it is difficult to observe a continuous stream of behaviour so they allow particular instances of behaviour to be recorded
-cover all possible behaviours
-be clear and precise
What are the 2 types of observational sampling , describe each
event-recordings happen as the behaviour occurs
time-recordings take place at specific time intervals
Why are pilot studies important in observations?
2
they check the coding system of categories is adequate
they check that ppts can be clearly seen/heard
What ethical issues are associated with observations?
informed consent
deception if it is covert
confidentiality
right to withdraw
What are the methodological issues with observations?
-can be hard to categorise behaviours
-observer bias
-demand characteristics
What do ethics do?
they concern the well being of ppts and the researcher
What are the different ethical considerations?
6
informed consent
right to withdraw
deception
respect
confidentiality/privacy
protection from harm
Describe informed consent
ppts must be told what they will be doing , how long it will take and the true aims of the study
-under 16s require parental consent
Describe deception
What does it mean if ppts are deceived?
not revealing the true aims of the study and misleading ppts
means ppts can not give consent
Describe right to withdraw
every ppt should know they can leave the study at any time and withdraw their data at any time
Describe protection from harm
2
nothing should happen that makes ppts less happy , embaressed or lowers their self esteem
they should be protected from risks
Describe respect
respect individuals and their cultural differences
Describe confidentiality/privacy
2
no ppts should be identifiable
peoples names shouldn’t be used and personal space should be respected
How do you overcome deception?
Describe this process
3
by debriefing ppts
it is done after research , ppts are told the studies true aims and reminded/told they have the right to withdraw
start by thanking ppts
How do you overcome informed consent , privacy and right to withdraw?
by using consent forms
What do consent forms include?
7
-aim of study
-reference to all conditions
-how long it will take
-other ethical rights
-statement of agreement with place to date and sign
-chance to ask questions
-written in future tense
State and describe the three alternative forms of consent
retrospective-gained after the study
presumptive-ask similar group to ppts if they would take part and assume actual ppts answer from this
prior general-ppts asked if they would take part in research where they might be deceived long before the experiment
