RM L14: Observation- Flashcards
What is a pilot observation?
Lesson 14
- The checklist which lists all the behaviours the psychologists expect to see must be tested before the main observation
- Ensure all potential behaviours are covered
- Researchers can add behaviours to the list
What is time sampling?
Lesson 14
- Behaviours recorded in specific time intervals (3 types)
What is an instantaneous scan?
Lesson 14
- The behaviour that is being shown by the person being observed is recorded at start of each set time interval
- Every 10 secs whatever behaviour being shown by a child in the playground is recorded
What is a predominant activity scan?
Lesson 14
- The observer records the most frequent behaviour shown by the person being observed in the set time period
- In a ten second time period > how many winks does a person do?
What is a one zero scan?
Lesson 14
- The observer records whether each behaviour happened (1) or did not happen (0) within set time period»_space; frequency of behaviour is not recorded just if happened or not
What is event sampling?
Lesson 14
- Every time a behaviour is seen in the person being observed it is tallied
- Set time period decided on before recording begins
What are 2 strengths of observations (in general) ?
Lesson 14
- If ppts are unaware they are being observed they should behave natrually > high ecological validity
- As behaviours are counted (quantitative) the data is objective > data is analysed statistically without any bias
What are 2 weaknesses of observations (in general) ?
Lesson 14
- If ppts are aware that they are being observed may have unnatrual behaviour due to social desirability and demand charecterisitics which reduce the validity
- It is difficult to replicate the study if natrualistic as variables cannot be controlled > reduces reliability of the study
What is overt observation?
Lesson 14
- When ppts know who the researcher is
- When ppts know that they are being observed
What is covert observation?
Lesson 14
- When ppts do not know that researcher is observing them
What is participant observation?
Lesson 14
- When researcher becomes part of the group the researcher wants to observe
- Can be overt / covert about this
- The researcher interacts with ppts takes notes on behaviours / other info
What are 2 strengths of participant observations?
Lesson 14
- Usually ppts being observed in real life settings»_space; increased ecological validity
- As observer is involved with group they are more likely to understand motives / behaviours»_space; increases validity of the findings
What are 2 weaknesses of participant observations?
Lesson 14
- Ethical problems such as informed consent as we have not asked for it
- Presence of outsider (researcher) can change the behaviour of group members»_space; lowers validity of the findings
What are non participant observations?
Lesson 14
- When researcher is away from ppl / animals
- researcher does not interact with any ppts
- can be overt / covert
What are 2 strengths of non participant observations>
Lesson 14
- Ppt behaviours are not affected as they don’t know they’re being observed
- Researchers observations more likely to be objective as they are detached from the people they are observing
What is structured observation?
Lesson 14
- Where the observers have created a behavioural checklist in order to code the behaviour they are observing
- Observers can tally how many times behaviour occurs during the set time period
- Eg. Observing if children paying attention in class see if they are writing notes down, answering questions in class
What is a weakness of non participant observations?
- Can be difficult to make detailed observations and to produce qualitative data that we can analyse to understand why the behaviour is occurring
What is a strength of structured observations?
Lesson 14
- The behavioural checklist allows objective quantitative data to be collected -> can be analysed statistically
What is 1 weakness of structured observations?
Lesson 14
- Sampling of observed behaviour tends to be restrictive does not give an idea of reasons why behaviour is occurring
What is an unstructured observation?
Lesson 14
- When observers note all behaviours they can see in qualitative form over a period of time
- No behavioural checklist is used as observers simply record what is happening in real time
What is 1 strength of unstructured observations?
Lesson 14
- Generates in depth, rich, qualitative data which can help to explain why the behaviours are happening
What is 1 weakness of unstructured observations?
- Observers may easily be drawn to noticeable eye catching behaviours that may not fully represent all the behaviours occurring during the observation period
What is naturalistic observation?
Lesson 14
- Takes place in person/animal natural environment
What are 2 strengths of naturalistic observation?
Lesson 14
- Ppts are unaware they are being watched should behave more naturally removes chance of demand charecterisitics affecting their behaviour
- As observation takes place in natural setting for ppts –> increased ecological validity
What are 2 weaknesses of naturalistic observation?
Lesson 14
- Little control over extraneous variables –> makes it difficult to draw cause + effect conclusions abt observed behaviours
- Replication may be difficult as we cannot have totally stantardised procedure due to possible extraneous variables –> difficult to test for reliability
What is a controlled observation?
Lesson 14
- Experiment in a labratory room the observers can be behind a one way mirror –> cannot be seen observing
What are 2 strengths of a controlled experiment?
Lesson 14
- As set up is controlled observers can be more confident about what is causing any of the behaviours shown by ppts
- Less risk of extraneous variables affecting ppt behaviours
What are 2 weaknesses of controlled observation?
Lesson 14
- Carrying out the observations in an artificial setting can easily influence ppts behaviour –> kids may be anxious in an environment different from their usual one
- As setting is artificial the findings may lack ecological validity
