Observational Methods Flashcards
What is a structured observation method?
Only focus on specific behaviours or actions
What is an unstructured observational method?
When they record everything
Evaluation of a structured observational method
Easier to spot trend
Easier when recording several people
Easier to have quantitative data
However, the data is in less detail
Evaluation of an unstructured observational method
Data harder to analyse
More risk of observer bias
However more detail
What is a behavioural category?
Making a target behaviour measurable by breaking it down into observable components
Example measuring aggression is broken down into shouting, hitting punching
What is sampling methods?
Event sampling
Time sampling
What is event sampling?
When you record everything in a period of time like one episode
What is time sampling?
When you called in specific time frames
Like one minute every five minutes
Evaluation event sampling
Good for recording in frequent behaviour so that it is not missed
Evaluation of time sampling
Reduces the number of observations needed
However, maybe less representative
What is interobserver reliability?
When there is more than one person observing behaviour reduces risk of observer bias
What is a naturalistic observation?
Takes place within a natural non-manipulated environment
What is a controlled observation?
An observation that takes place in a more manipulated / controlled setting
What is covert observation?
Take place without the participant being aware
What is overt obeservation
Participant is aware they are being watched
Over aware
Evaluation of covert
More truthful behaviour
Ethical issues
Evaluation of overt observation
Participants may change their behaviour
However, it is fully ethical
What is a participant observation?
Researcher themselves takes part
What is a non-participant observer?
When the researcher does not take part
Evaluation of a participant observer
Greater insight into the experience
May lose objectivity
Evaluation for non-participants observer
Researcher remains objective
Lack extra insight gained
