Psychological investigations - observations

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  • Created by: Mol98
  • Created on: 20-03-15 13:28
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  • Psychological investigations - Observation
    • Evaluating validity
      • Behavioural categories
        • Observations won't be valid if the behaviour checklist is flawed. The result is that the data collected does not truly represent what was observed
      • The extent to which a research study has measured what it intended to measure
      • Observer bias
        • When an observer records what they see or hear, their observations are inevitably influenced by their expectations. It reduces the objectivity and validity of observations
      • Ecological validity
        • The ability to generalise a research effect beyond the particular setting in which it is demonstrated to other settings
      • Behavioural categories can be tested by using a pilot study
      • Use more than one observer to reduce observer bias by averaging data across observers
      • Conducting observations in varied settings with varied participants improves ecological validity
    • Making observations
      • Have no overlapping categories - end result is that two different observers wouldn't produce the same record of behaviour
      • Cover all possible component behaviours and avoid a 'waste basket'
      • Objective - researcher shouldn't have to make inferences about the behaviour
      • To conduct systematic observations, behavioural categories are needed (behavioural checklist)
  • Making observations
    • Have no overlapping categories - end result is that two different observers wouldn't produce the same record of behaviour
    • Cover all possible component behaviours and avoid a 'waste basket'
    • Objective - researcher shouldn't have to make inferences about the behaviour
    • To conduct systematic observations, behavioural categories are needed (behavioural checklist)

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