research methods- non experimental methods Flashcards
controlled observation
the conditions are manipulated by the researcher. this type of observation may be carried out in a laboratory.
controlled observation evaluation
+ high reliability
- low in ecological validity
- prone to demand characteristics
naturalistic observation
watching natural behaviour in a natural in a natural environment when the target behvariour would normally occur.there is no intervention or manipulation of variables
naturalistic observation evaluation
+ less prone to demand characteristics
+ high ecological validity
- low reliability- hard to replicate
- ethical issues as lack of infromed consent
overt observation
participants are aware thier behaviour is being observed and so will be aware of the purpose of the research. the observer is clearly visable to participants
overt observation evaluation
+ more ethical
- more prone to demand characteristics
covert observation
observations that are codnucted without the knowledge or awareness of the participants. this can be done by the observer being hidden or the use of secret cameras or from behind a two way mirror
covert observation evaluation
+ less prone to demand characteristics
- less ethical
participant observation
researcher is involved with the group. data collected whilt being [art of the group or situation
participant observation evauation
+ in depth knowledge
- increased chance of researcher bias
non- participant observation
researcher is not involved with the group. data collected from distance
non- participant observation evaluation
+ reduced chance of research bais
- less likely to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding
ways to assess reliability of observations
- inter-observer reliability
- operationalising
ways of assessing the validity of the observation
- face validity
- concurrent validity
inter- observater reliability
: checked by using two observers
: two observers would create and be traineed on how to use the behviour categories
: then they conduct the observation seperately but watch the exact same behavior for the same amount of time
:the tallies should be compared and then correlated
:strong positive correlation of +0.8 shows high reliability
operationalising
means to be specific and clear when defining any behavior categories so that they are easier to measure
face validity
independent psychologist in the same field seeing i a behviour category looks like it measures what it claims to measure at first sight/face value. if they say yes then it is valid
concurrent validity
comparing results of a new observation with the results from another pre- exsiting observation which has already been established for its vaidity. if the results are similar then we can assume the test is valid. the correlation should be higher than 0.8 from an apropriate stats test
questionnaire
forms part of a survey which involves asking a large sample of people for information on a specific topic
involves a pre-set list of written questions or items
questionnaire evalution
+ can tackle sensistive issues as ppt can be anonymous
+ reduction of investigator effect
+ large quantity
-social desirablility bias
- misinterpretation of questions. cants ask for clarification
open questions and evaluations
which ppts can answer using thier own words. they can express their views of their behaviour and responses tend to include greater detail
+ in-depth
- subjective open to interpretation
closed questions and evaluate
these are questions which ppts responses are fixed
+ easier to analyse
- lack depth
- open to bias
structured interview
all the questions are pre-set before interviews are carried out
less likelyto deviate from topic
every interviewee will eb asked the same question at the same order
connot ask any extra questions
sturctured interview evaluation
+ possible to compare answers and easier to identify trends nd patterns
- cannot deviate from questions so cant get full understanding
