Day 4

Question 1

Describe observational research?

Answer 1

Observational research is primarily descriptive. observe carefully on a group of individuals (1or more). May take place in a natural or structured setting, the goal is description.

Question 2

Type of observational research?

Answer 2

Field studies, participant observation-observer becomes part of a group. structured observation, case studies follows 1 particular person over time. Archival research, using existing info.

Question 3

What are some problems with observational research?

Answer 3

Omissions and inaccuracies. Reactivity, behavior change towards being observed. Observer bias- expectation of observer. Observer drift-observer drifting towards certain data. Replication-doing over the study strong chance of not being the same.

Question 4

How can observational research be useful?

Answer 4

In new areas of research or to study specific individuals or groups under certain conditions. To study an event difficult or impossible to study another way. In identifying possible relationships among variables. In developing techniques for collecting reliable data in other types of research.

Question 5

observational research requires decision

Answer 5

What exactly to observe, how to observe it and how to measure reliability.

Question 6

Deciding what to observe

Answer 6

Nature of the behavior of interest and amount of detail needed. Molecular(micro)—— or Molar (macro)

Question 7

How much detail depends on what?

Answer 7

Focus of the research, feasibility (when, where, how will observation take place?)

Question 8

What are the three approaches to recording observation?

Answer 8

Running narrative, time sampling, event sampling.

Question 9

How to improve reliability ?

Answer 9

Controlling for reactivity, reducing observer bias, reducing observer drift or having a blind observer.

Question 10

How to measure reliability?

Answer 10

Multiple observers, video and audio recording.