Week 4 observational methods

Question 1

non ppt observation

Answer 1

-observes from distance
-ideally has no effect on behaviour observing

Question 2

ppt observation

Answer 2

-involved with individuals being observed
-able to take perspective of ppt

Question 3

full observer

Answer 3

observer uninvolved in group

Question 4

observer as ppt

Answer 4

accepted in group as researcher

Question 5

ppt as observer

Answer 5

member but also researcher

Question 6

full ppt

Answer 6

authentic member

Question 7

are ppt observations quantitative or qualitative

Answer 7

more likely to be qualitative

Question 8

ethical concerns with ppt observation

Answer 8

deception, disclosure, lack of consent

Question 9

pros of ppt observation

Answer 9

flexibility, relationship with group, natural behaviour in natural setting

Question 10

cons of ppt observation

Answer 10

presence of researcher could change group behaviour, generalisation, data loss and reliability concerns

Question 11

is non ppt observation quantitative or qualitative

Answer 11

can be either, the researcher is just uninvolved, not unethical to collect notes on behaviour in public place

Question 12

main features of structured observational methods

Answer 12

-define categories for observing behaviour
-sample behaviour in consistent manner
-train observers to use coding system

Question 13

steps of structured observational methods

Answer 13

1) determine categories and train coders
2) record behaviour
3) code behaviour using pre determined coding system

Question 14

structured observations: coding behaviour/ what is event coding

Answer 14

tally every event

Question 15

structured observations: coding behaviour/ what is interval coding

Answer 15

select particular time intervals and tally behaviour during intervals

Question 16

issues with controlled observation methods

Answer 16

no longer a naturalistic setting, reactivity (people might act differently when being observed)

Question 17

pros with a structured/controlled observation method

Answer 17

-immediate data on real behaviour, capture behaviour not get in lab

Question 18

cons of structured/ controlled observations

Answer 18

reactivity effects, time consuming, not always possible to identify cause and effect

Question 19

potential issues with qualitative non ppt observation

Answer 19

biased perception due to no coding scheme (omission, distortion), halo effect = cognitive bias. If positive/negative impression, describe each person positively/negatively