RM L14: Observation- Flashcards
1
Q
What is a pilot observation?
Lesson 14
A
- 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
2
Q
What is time sampling?
Lesson 14
A
- Behaviours recorded in specific time intervals (3 types)
3
Q
What is an instantaneous scan?
Lesson 14
A
- 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
4
Q
What is a predominant activity scan?
Lesson 14
A
- 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?
5
Q
What is a one zero scan?
Lesson 14
A
- 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
6
Q
What is event sampling?
Lesson 14
A
- Every time a behaviour is seen in the person being observed it is tallied
- Set time period decided on before recording begins
7
Q
What are 2 strengths of observations (in general) ?
Lesson 14
A
- 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
8
Q
What are 2 weaknesses of observations (in general) ?
Lesson 14
A
- 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
9
Q
What is overt observation?
Lesson 14
A
- When ppts know who the researcher is
- When ppts know that they are being observed
10
Q
What is covert observation?
Lesson 14
A
- When ppts do not know that researcher is observing them
11
Q
What is participant observation?
Lesson 14
A
- 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
12
Q
What are 2 strengths of participant observations?
Lesson 14
A
- 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
13
Q
What are 2 weaknesses of participant observations?
Lesson 14
A
- 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
14
Q
What are non participant observations?
Lesson 14
A
- When researcher is away from ppl / animals
- researcher does not interact with any ppts
- can be overt / covert
15
Q
What are 2 strengths of non participant observations>
Lesson 14
A
- 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