Research Methods - Observation

Question 1

naturalistic observation

Answer 1

observing Ps in their natural environment

E.G. student behaviour studied in a school

ALL ABOUT LOCATION

Question 2

strengths of naturalistic observation

Answer 2

reduces the risk of demand characteristics
increases ecological validity

Question 3

limitations of naturalistic observation

Answer 3

low reliability - not replicable
low internal validity - can’t control variable easily

Question 4

controlled observation

Answer 4

observing participants behaviour in a structured environment

E.G. student behaviour studied in a lab

ALL ABOUT LOCATION

Question 5

strengths of controlled observation

Answer 5

standardised - replicable and generalisable

Question 6

limitations of controlled observation

Answer 6

lacks ecological validity

Question 7

covert observation

Answer 7

Ps are unaware of observation

E.G. recorded through cameras/CCTV

ALL ABOUT PARTICIPANT AWARENESS

Question 8

strengths of covert observation

Answer 8

reduced demand characteristics

Question 9

limitations of covert observation

Answer 9

ethical issues - no informed consent

Question 10

overt observation

Answer 10

participants are aware that they are being observed

E.G. interview or taking notes

ALL ABOUT PARTICIPANT AWARENESS

Question 11

strengths of overt observation

Answer 11

reduces ethical issues as informed consent is given

Question 12

limitations of overt observation

Answer 12

demand characteristics - lower validity

Question 13

participant observation

Answer 13

researcher becomes part of the group being studied

E.G. researcher becomes a member of staff for an experiment

ALL ABOUT RESARCHER’S PROXIMITY

Question 14

strengths of participant observation

Answer 14

lowers demand characteristics - increases validity
insider insight - increase validity

Question 15

limitations of participant observation

Answer 15

observer bias
difficult to record in an unobtrusive manner

Question 16

non-participant observation

Answer 16

researcher observes group without being involved in activities

E.G. researcher takes notes on side as experiment occurs

ALL ABOUUT RESEARCHER’S PROXIMITY

Question 17

strengths of non-participant observation

Answer 17

objective as it is at a physical distance

Question 18

limitations of non-participant
observation

Answer 18

observer may misinterpret communications as they are an outsider - reduces validity

Question 19

structured observation

Answer 19

researcher uses pre-defined checklist (BCs) to record behaviour

E.G. studying aggression in children using BCs (kicking, shouting)

ALL ABOUT DATA RECORDING METHOD

Question 20

strengths of structured observation

Answer 20

easier to collect data
provides quantitative data (easier to analyse)
inter-observer reliability

Question 21

limitations of unstructured observation

Answer 21

some behaviours not important
lacks detail (quant data)

Question 22

unstructured observation

Answer 22

researcher records all relevant behavs as they occur (no BCs)

E.G. notes taken as the researcher sees fit

ALL ABOUT RECORDING DATA METHOD

Question 23

strengths of unstructured observation

Answer 23

provides more depth and detail (qualitative data)

Question 24

limitations of unstructured observation

Answer 24

difficult to analyse
observer bias

Question 25

behavioural categories

Answer 25

specific clearly defined behaviours that are to observed and recorded -reduces subjectivity and increases reliability

Question 26

event sampling

Answer 26

recording when instances occur during the observation E.G. researchers not each time student raises hand in lesson

Question 27

strengths of event sampling

Answer 27

desired behaviour can happen infrequently (may be missed with time samplinng)

Question 28

limitations of event sampling

Answer 28

if too complex, observer may overlook important details

Question 29

time sampling

Answer 29

recording at set intervals (e.g. every 5 mins) E.G. researchers record number of students talking to peers every 5 mins

Question 30

strengths of time sampling

Answer 30

reduces number of observations made

Question 31

limitations of time sampling

Answer 31

missed behaviours makes data unrepresentative