Observations(research methods)

Question 1

What is an observation ?

Answer 1

A research method where no variables are manipulated and ppts are watched and their behaviour is recorded

Used as a technique to record behaviour in experiments

Question 2

What are the two types of observation

Answer 2

Participant observation

Non participant observation

Question 3

What is participant observation

Answer 3

The observer acts as part of the group being watched

Question 4

Non- participant observation

Answer 4

The researcher does not become part of the group being observed

Question 5

Participant observation strengths

Answer 5

Insight into ppts emotions and motives

Ppts may be unaware so high internal validity- natural behaviour

Question 6

Weaknesses of ppt observation

Answer 6

Observers may be subjective as they’re part of the group

Question 7

Strengths of non-participant observation

Answer 7

Observers can remain objective as they’re not involved

Question 8

Weaknesses of non- participant observation

Answer 8

If ppts unaware, ethical issues

If ppts are aware , behaviour may change

Question 9

Covert observation

Answer 9

They don’t know they’re being watched

‘Undercover observation’
Ppts are not aware of being observed

Question 10

Overt observation

Answer 10

‘Open observation’

Ppts are aware of being observed

Question 11

Covert observation strengths

Answer 11

Ppts behave naturally

Question 12

Covert observation weaknesses

Answer 12

Ethical issues

May be difficult to maintain covert status

Question 13

Overt observation strengths

Answer 13

More ethical

Question 14

Overt observation weaknesses

Answer 14

Ppts may not behave as they normally do

Question 15

Naturalistic observations

Answer 15

Observations can take place in a natural situation

Question 16

Controlled observations

Answer 16

Observations can take place where some variables are controlled and manipulated

Question 17

Strengths of naturalistic observation

Answer 17

Natural behaviour:
High internal and ecological validity
Useful in situations where it would be unethical to intervene

Question 18

Strengths of controlled observation

Answer 18

Data recording more reliable- equipment can be used

Control over extraneous variables

Question 19

Weaknesses of naturalistic observation

Answer 19

No control over extraneous variables

If ppts become aware of the observation behaviour may change - low validity

Question 20

Weaknesses of controlled observation

Answer 20

Demand characteristics

Question 21

Unstructured observation

Answer 21

All( relevant) behaviours are recorded

Usually qualitative data

Question 22

Structured observation

Answer 22

Only selected behaviours are recorded- pre- determined categories
Usually quantitative data

Question 23

What are behavioural categories

Answer 23

The pre-determined units of behaviour to be observed

Question 24

What are the two behavioural categories

Answer 24

Verbal

Physical

Question 25

Recording behaviours

Answer 25

Behavioural categories can be made more precises by using coding frames/ scheme These are used to differentiate behaviours Behaviours that have different levels/ severities are represented as abbreviations or ‘codes’

Question 26

What are the coding frames for verbal aggression (N,T,M)

Answer 26

``` N= name calling T= threats S= shouting ```

Question 27

What are the coding frames for physical aggression

Answer 27

H=hitting B=biting K=kicking

Question 28

Structured observation strengths

Answer 28

Pre determined categories can be agreed beforehand, increases reliability

Question 29

Weaknesses of structured observation

Answer 29

Limited categories of behaviour | No context to give meaning to behaviours

Question 30

Strengths in unstructured behaviour

Answer 30

No limit in what can be recorded- rich and varied data | Detailed descriptions give context to behaviour

Question 31

Weaknesses of unstructured observation

Answer 31

Observers can miss important info | Recording may be subjective and inconsistent

Question 32

What are the two behaviour sampling methods

Answer 32

Time sampling | Event sampling

Question 33

Time sampling

Answer 33

Observations within a set time frame may be made at regular time intervals and behaviours coded Eg every 10 mins

Question 34

Event sampling

Answer 34

Keep a tally chart of every time a behaviour in your categories occurs within a set time frame

Question 35

Time sampling strengths

Answer 35

Should be representative of overall time spent on each behaviour More manageable

Question 36

Time sampling weaknesses

Answer 36

Some behaviours may be missed

Question 37

Strengths of event sampling

Answer 37

Every behaviour is recorded to give a complete record

Question 38

Weaknesses of event sampling

Answer 38

May be difficult for observers when a lot is happening at the same time