Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

PS1107 > Obsrvational Methods > Flashcards

Obsrvational Methods Flashcards

(52 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What are observational methods?

A

Research in which the experimenter does not manipulate any variable or assign subjects to condition.
Also know as non-experimental or obtrusive research

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is observational methods also known as?

A

Non-experimental
Unobtrusive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Reasons can we not manipulate variables in psychology?

A
  • long lasting effect
  • ethical reasons
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Whats observation used in experiments?

A

Used to measure the depdent variable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define non-experimental?

A

The researcher observes relatively unconstrained segment of a persons freely chosen behaviour

  • watching and recording behaviour but no change towards it
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

If an investigation is given the tile observational what does this indicate?

A

The design rather than the techniques

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the benefits of observation?

A

Solves some of the problems produced by artificial conditions
Minimises demand characterises

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Advantages of observation?

A
  • produces immediate data of real behaviour
  • gather data on behaviour which you can’t in experimentation
  • completely genuine behaviour unconstrained by lab
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Disadvantages of observation?

A
  • peoples behaviour can be affected by the awareness of being observed
  • time consuming
  • not being able to identify cause and effect
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Define naturalistic observation?

A
  • particpants watched in natural environment
  • disturbed little as possible
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Define laboratory observation?

A

Watched in lab

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Define particpants observation?

A

Observe joins the group in order to record behaviour which

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Whats some ethical controversies with particpants observation?

A
  • invasion of privacy
  • potential experimenter objectivity difficulties
  • changing results simply by being a member of the group
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Whats non-participant observation?

A

Observation from a distance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

The main features of a structured observation?

A
  • defining behaviour categories to be recorded
  • sampling the behaviour in a consistent manner
  • training the observes in the use of coding system and achieve good level of agreement
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Whats the type of devices they use to conduct a structured observation?

A
  • visual recording
  • still camera
  • audio
  • hand written notes on the spot or grid
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Whats code?

A

Oservsers will code behaviour as they view a recording

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Whats event coding?

A

Recording whenever a specifc behaviour happens - note it down

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What’s interval coding?

A

Coding that happens over periods of time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Whats it called when intervals are not consecutive in interval coding?

A

Time sampling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What’s code behaviour seen as?

22
Q

Whats inter- observer reliability?

Study These Flashcards
A

Observers need to agree on what they are looking at and quantifying

  • if there is a good agreement between observes, we don’t know whether they are doing it correctly but at least they are consistent as a group
23
Q

What does reliability mean?

Study These Flashcards
A

There is consistency between observes

24
Q

What does controlled observations refer to?

Study These Flashcards
A

Labortory studies in which the researchers control the environment

25
Whats the limations of experiments being int he laboratory?
- dimished external validity - demand characteristics
26
Whats an example of naturalists behaviour?
Piaget with his own children, as he wanted them everyday in natural environment and recorded their behaviour
27
What type of data is often gathered through non-participant observation?
Rich qualitative data
28
How can qualitative observational data be analyzed later?
By imposing structure and using trained observations
29
What qualitative techniques can be used to analyze observational data?
Descriptions of behavior and interviews
30
: Give an example of a study that used interviews alongside observation
Milgrams study
31
What are some limitations of using descriptions of behavior in observational studies?
Distortion or omission of behavior and the halo effect (bias from first impressions)
32
What is role play and simulation in observational studies?
A technique where participants act out social roles in dramatic situations.
33
What is an active role in role play?
When a participant is asked to play a role within a specific setting (e.g., chairperson of a group).
34
What is a non-active role in role play?
When a participant watches a role-play or simulation and reports feelings or reactions.
35
What are limitations of role play and simulation?
It can be non-spontaneous, passive, and participants may behave in socially desirable ways, not reflecting true behavior
36
What is the diary method in observational studies?
Recording daily observations, often by the observer, to collect natural and intimate data
37
Who famously used the diary method in research?
Charles Darwin, observing the growth and development of his son
38
What is an advantage of the diary method?
Participants act naturally, especially in familiar environments like their homes, providing rich and genuine data.
39
What is a limitation of the diary method?
The perspective of the diary writer can introduce bias.
40
When else can diaries be kept during observational studies?
During participant observation, diaries can be kept at the end of the day.
41
What is participant observation?
A trained observer joins a group as a member to study it without altering its natural behavior.
42
Who often uses participant observation?
Cultural anthropologists.
43
Why use participant observation?
To understand the meaning behind behaviors from the group’s perspective.
44
What are the degrees of participation in participant observation
Full participant Participant as observer Observer as participant Full observer (non-participant)
45
What is a major concern with participant observation?
Ethical problems related to consent and deception
46
What is a case study?
An observation of a unique situation, usually involving a single individual, animal, institution, or group.
47
What characterizes a case study?
The uniqueness of the individual or situation.
48
What is the main value of case studies?
Providing rich, detailed data.
49
How did Bromley (1986) describe case studies?
As the "bedrock of scientific investigation."
50
What is archival evidence?
Using existing data or records to answer research questions.
51
What is archival data?
Factual information found in existing records or archives
52
What are limitations of using archival data?
Data was collected for a different purpose Difficult to rule out alternative hypotheses No real possibility of informed consent

PS1107 (18 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions