Week 4 Flashcards
What is qualitative research?
Focuses on qualities that cannot be numerically described - what makes up an experience, how person experiences it and conducts an explanatory investigation with the aim of identifying the characteristics that make up a person’s experience.
What are naturalistic observations?
Field observation - researchers make observations of individuals in their natural environment. The goal is to provide a complete and accurate picture of what occurred in the setting, rather than to test a hypotheses. Describe the settings, events and persons observed and then analyse what was observed.
What are the issues with naturalistic observation?
- non-participant observer does not become an active part of setting. Participant observer assumes an active, insider role - can observe the setting from inside and experience events in the same way as natural participants.
- concealed observation prevents alteration of behaviour and less reactive.
When is naturalistic observation most helpful?
When investigating complex social situations. It helps to understand and develop theories about settings.
What is systematic observation?
Refers to the careful observation of one or more specific behaviours in a particular setting. Observations are quantifiable and the researcher has hypotheses prior. Researchers must develop a coding system to measure the behaviour.
What is reactivity?
When the presence of the observer affects behaviour. This can be reduced by concealed observations.
What is reliability?
When measures are stable, consistent and precise. 2 or more raters usually code behaviour with high (greater than 80%) agreement between raters.
What helps to improve systematic observations?
Samples of behaviour taken over an extended period provide more accurate and useful data than single, short observations.
What are case studies?
Case studies are an observational method that provides a description of an individual. Psychobiography is a type of case study where the researcher applies psychological theory to explain the life of an individual.
What is archival research?
Involves previously compiled information to answer research questions. Statistical records; survey archives; written and mass communication records.
What is a response set?
A tendency to respond to all questions from a particular perspective (i.e. social desirability).
What are important steps in constructing questions?
= Defining research objectives - what do they want to know.
- Simplicity - avoid jargon and technical terms
- Avoid questions that ask two things at once
- Avoid loaded questions or emotionally charged wording
- Negative wording
- Use questions that ask question in a different way to avoid yea-saying or nah-saying
- consider culture and the impact of word use.
Why are research objectives important when looking at constructing questions?
Attitudes and beliefs - focus on the ways that people evaluate and think about decisions.
Facts and demographics - indicate things about themselves or situation
Behaviours - past or intended future behaviour.
What are different rating scales?
Rating scale - ask people to provide a ‘how much’ judgements on any number of dimensions
Graphic rating scale - mark along a line
Semantic differential scale - opposites (i.e. bad-good). Can be evaluation, activity, potency
What is interviewer bias?
Showing approval or disapproval of certain answers.
