observations Flashcards
what do observations focus on
particular categories of behaviour or events
why would a hypothesis be used in an observation
to guide observations
what do observations allow the researcher to do
study observable behaviour in a natural or controlled setting
does an observation have an iv/dv
no
what are the two types of observation
naturalistic observation and controlled observation
what is a naturalistic observation
the study of behaviour in its natural setting
what is a controlled observation
when the researcher attemps to control certain variables in an observation
how can control of variables be obtained in an observation
conducting it in a laboratory
what is a behaviour schedule
a checklist of precisely defined behaviour
what is an example of a controlled observation
ainsworth’s strange situation
what are the strengths of overt observations
can gain informed consent
what is a limitation of overt observations
observer bias, demand characteristics
what is a strength of covert observations
reduced demand characteristics
what is a limitation of covert observations
unethical - no consent, observer bias
what is a strength of participant observation
more controlled, in depth understanding of behaviour
what is a limitation of participant observation
ovserver bias, demand characteristics, investigator effects
what is a strength of non-participant observation
low investigator effects, reduced demand characteristics
what is a limitation of non-participant observation
observer bias, less controlled, possibility of misinterpreting information
what is a strength of controlled observations
highly controlled, replicable
what is a limitation of controlled observations
observer bias, demand characteristics, artificiality
what is a strength of a naturalistic observation
low demand characteristics, realism, high external validity
what is a limitation of a naturalistic observation
lack of control, not replicable, observer bias
what is investigator effects
when a researcher unintentionally, or unconsciously influences the outcome of any research they are conducting
what is observer bias
when a researcher’s expectations, opinions, or prejudices influence what they perceive or record in a study
