*Observational Design

Question 1

What is an unstructured observation?

Answer 1

A type of observation where the researcher writes down everything they see

Tends to produce accounts that are rich in detail and is appropriate for small observations with few participants.

Question 2

What is a structured observation?

Answer 2

An observation that simplifies target behaviors using behavioral categories

This approach is necessary when there may be too much happening to record everything.

Question 3

What are behavioral categories?

Answer 3

Defined, observable, and measurable target behaviors used in structured observations

Examples include hugging, kissing, touching, holding hands, etc.

Question 4

What is continuous recording in unstructured observations?

Answer 4

Recording all instances of the target behavior

This may not be possible for complex behaviors.

Question 5

What is event sampling?

Answer 5

Counting the number of times a particular behavior (event) occurs

Useful for observing specific behaviors.

Question 6

What is time sampling?

Answer 6

Recording behavior within a predetermined time frame

For example, observing a player’s activity every 30 minutes during a football match.

Question 7

What are the strengths of structured observations?

Answer 7

Involve behavioral categories making data recording easy and systematic

Data produced is often numerical, allowing for easier analysis and comparison.

Question 8

What are the limitations of unstructured observations?

Answer 8

Tend to produce qualitative data which is more difficult to record and analyze

Greater risk of observer bias as researchers may only record what catches their eye.

Question 9

What is a strength of unstructured observations?

Answer 9

Provides more depth and detail in the data

However, this comes with greater risk of observer bias.

Question 10

What are the strengths of behavioral categories?

Answer 10

Data collection is more structured and objective

This enhances reliability in observations.

Question 11

What are the limitations of behavioral categories?

Answer 11

Can require further interpretation, may not include all target behaviors, categories may overlap

This can lead to incomplete data collection.

Question 12

What is a strength of event sampling?

Answer 12

Useful when the behavior is infrequent

It prevents missing important behaviors that might be overlooked in time sampling.

Question 13

What is a limitation of time sampling?

Answer 13

Instances when behavior is sampled may be unrepresentative as a whole

This can affect the validity of the findings.