Observation (1) Flashcards
(39 cards)
Observation I carried out
.counting number of students texting vs on the phone (visual vs auditory communication)
.29 visual vs 1 auditory
5 key questions
who what where when how
the 7 coding frames
focus utility operational definition objectivity context independence exhaustive
coding frame: focus
concentrate on behaviours that are relevant
coding frame: utility
is it possible to use the information recorded?
coding frame: operational definition
ensure you can identify which behaviours do and do not fall into the category
coding frame: objectivity
your definition should not require observer to make inferences about participant
coding frame: context independence
behavioural codes should be consistent over different contexts
coding frame: exhaustive
.codes should cover all possible behaviours
.may need a ‘waste basket’ category
coding frame: mutually exclusive
recording one code should preclude needing to record another simultaneously
naturalistic observation
natural setting e.g Piliavin
2 naturalistic observation pros
increased ecological validity
no demand characteristics
can record unexpected behaviours
2 naturalistic observation cons
more uncontrollable variables
harder to observe
harder to be ethical e.g consent/debrief etc
controlled observation and e.g
controlled environment e.g Milgram
2 controlled observation pros
controls more variables
easier to observe
easier to be ethical
2 controlled observation cons
decreased ecological validity
demand characteristics risk
participant observation and e.g
observer goes undercover e.g Piliavin
2 participant observation pros
may see behaviours not visible to public
deeper insight into reasoning
2 participant observation cons
difficult to record data while youre part of a group
unethical
non participant observation and e.g
observed by someone outside the group e.g Milgram
2 non participant observation pros
more ethical - not impacting on participants
easier to physically record the data
2 non participant observation cons
lacks deeper insight so could make incorrect assumptions
still not quite ethical
covert (undisclosed) observation and e.g
participants unaware of being recorded e.g Piliavin, Bandura
2 covert observation pros
no demand characteristics
can easily observe in a range of places