Observational Techniques
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- Created by: FatCat3
- Created on: 27-06-22 21:07
what 2 methods of sampling (name the evaluations of each method too) does the researcher have for observations?
time sampling- where an observer records behaviours at prescribes intervals eg every 10 seconds, +better use of time since fewer observations are made, - not every behaviour of relevance to the researcher will be counted if it-
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occurs between the time time frames allocated
event sampling- where observer records the number of times that the target behaviour occurs eg using a tally, +every behaviour of interest to researcher will be counted from beginning to end-
event sampling- where observer records the number of times that the target behaviour occurs eg using a tally, +every behaviour of interest to researcher will be counted from beginning to end-
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- - possibility that some behaviours could e missed if theres too much happening at the same time, resulting in some behaviours not being coded.
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what are covert observations, name evaluations?
observing people without someones consent
+ investigator effects are less likely as observation is hidden, true behaviour can be seen and less chance of demand characteristics, natural behaviour more representative
+ investigator effects are less likely as observation is hidden, true behaviour can be seen and less chance of demand characteristics, natural behaviour more representative
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-ethical issues no informed consent, pp not aware they're in an exp, rights are taken ie right to withdraw (-public spaces are acceptable to observe as no privacy laws are being breached)
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what are overt observations, name evaluations?
pp being observed and are aware that they are being observed
+more ethical as there are np privacy issues, the pp gives their fully consent and knows their rights in the exp (+reputation pf psychology and research is saved)
+more ethical as there are np privacy issues, the pp gives their fully consent and knows their rights in the exp (+reputation pf psychology and research is saved)
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-investigator effects, possible for a bias to form where researcher impacts pp behaviours, so demand characteristics can take place, reducing internal validity
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what are participant observations, name the evaluations?
researcher who is conducting the exp is taking part in the activity as well (can be covert/overt)
+ in-depth data can be uncovered as researcher is close to pp, info may not be unlocked if researcher isn't directly involved with pp
+ in-depth data can be uncovered as researcher is close to pp, info may not be unlocked if researcher isn't directly involved with pp
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-possible investigator effects as researcher has an impact on pp behaviours, presence of researcher in a group can influence pp behaviour , demand characteristics may take place, reducing internal validity as natural behaviour isn't being researched
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what are non participant observations, name evaluations?
researcher doesn't involve themselves in the activity the group does while they're being observed (either covert or overt)
+investigator effects less likely to take place as researcher is observing from a distancing and sometimes-
+investigator effects less likely to take place as researcher is observing from a distancing and sometimes-
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-aren't even visible to PP, behaviour observed more representative of natural human conduct
-lack of proximity means researcher can miss behaviours of interest that offer unique insights into human behaviour
-lack of proximity means researcher can miss behaviours of interest that offer unique insights into human behaviour
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what are naturalistic observations, name evaluations?
esearcher observes behaviour in an unaltered, natural settings
+high ecological validity as researcher records naturally occurring behaviour that is original and in its normal environment, more representative of life
+high ecological validity as researcher records naturally occurring behaviour that is original and in its normal environment, more representative of life
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-reliability, exact same conditions may be impossible to replicated so test-retest methods cant be used to check reliability of an observation , lacking replicability
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what are controlled observations, name evaluations?
observation conducted under strict, controlled conditions ie lab setting to remove extraneous variables
+can be replicated to check reliability as variables are highly controlled and standard procedures ie manipulating iv can be changes, kept the same to
+can be replicated to check reliability as variables are highly controlled and standard procedures ie manipulating iv can be changes, kept the same to
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-see reliability.
-low external/ecological validity as researcher records behaviour in an artificial environment which doest have a natural observational setting, variables are subject to strict manipulation and so pp behaviour can alter
-low external/ecological validity as researcher records behaviour in an artificial environment which doest have a natural observational setting, variables are subject to strict manipulation and so pp behaviour can alter
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what are structured observations, name evaluations?
researcher uses coded schedules which was agreed in a document to organise data and behavioural categories. a behavioural category is when psychologists must decide between specific behaviours should be examined, this involves breaking target-
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-behaviour into observable components.
+ researcher can compare between pp and across groups, use of operationalised behavioural categories makes the coding of the data more systematic, more than 1 observer also= inter observer-
+ researcher can compare between pp and across groups, use of operationalised behavioural categories makes the coding of the data more systematic, more than 1 observer also= inter observer-
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-reliability
- problem w. internal validity, as researcher may miss some crucial behaviours during observations which is needed to the aim of the observation, findings may not provide full pic of behaviour and lack small details
- problem w. internal validity, as researcher may miss some crucial behaviours during observations which is needed to the aim of the observation, findings may not provide full pic of behaviour and lack small details
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what are unstructured observations, name evaluations?
involves every instance of behaviour being recorded and described as much detail in problem
+richness of data, behaviour recorded in greater detail, researchers able to gain comprehensive view of human behaviour, adds internal validity
+richness of data, behaviour recorded in greater detail, researchers able to gain comprehensive view of human behaviour, adds internal validity
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-prone to observer bias due to lack of objective behaviour categories, observer may only record behaviour which is of subjective value to them and not a valid representation of what's being displayed, issue with inter observer reliability due-
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-to lack of consistency in results
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how can you ensure that while observing, the right info is recorded?
1.having 2 or more observers- increasing inter observer reliability
2.training observers on behavioural categories (makes it objective and clear)
3.compare for consistency- needs to be 80%
2.training observers on behavioural categories (makes it objective and clear)
3.compare for consistency- needs to be 80%
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
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Back
occurs between the time time frames allocated
event sampling- where observer records the number of times that the target behaviour occurs eg using a tally, +every behaviour of interest to researcher will be counted from beginning to end-
event sampling- where observer records the number of times that the target behaviour occurs eg using a tally, +every behaviour of interest to researcher will be counted from beginning to end-
Card 3
Front
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Back
Card 4
Front
what are covert observations, name evaluations?
Back
Card 5
Front
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Back
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