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psychology research methods
observational methods
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Created by
Quezia Lima Venancio
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sampling procedures
psychology research methods > observational methods
6 cards
Cards (34)
What is naturalistic observation?
It involves the
researcher
observing
naturally
occurring
behaviour.
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What is a controlled observation?
It is when the
researcher
attempts
to
control
certain
variables
.
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What are the differences between participant and non-participant observations?
Participant
observation:
Researcher
engages
with
the
group
being
studied.
Non-participant
observation:
Researcher
observes
without
direct
involvement.
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What is the difference between overt and covert observations?
overt: Participants are aware they are being observed.
covert: Participants are unaware they are being observed.
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What is the difference between structured and unstructured observations?
Structured:
Experimenter
controls
extraneous
variables to limit bias.
Unstructured: Experimenter has less
control
over
extraneous
variables.
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What are the strengths of naturalistic observations?
Strengths:
Observed in
natural
conditions, limiting
demand
characteristics.
Applicable to real-life scenarios, increasing
ecological
validity.
Easily
generalizable.
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What are the strengths of controlled observations?
Strengths:
More
controlled
and accurate observations.
Easier to
replicate.
Avoids
ethical
problems of
consent.
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What are the strengths of non-participant observations?
Strengths:
Objective
and highly reliable.
Researcher can
observe
body language and make judgements.
Less likelihood of bias and no
ethical
issues if participants are aware
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What are the strengths of participant observations?
Strengths:
Produces rich
qualitative
data, increasing
validity.
More flexible and allows for open-mindedness.
Authentic data through personal experience
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What is a strength of overt observations?
Strengths:
No
ethical
issues as participants give consent.
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What are the strengths of covert observations?
Strengths:
High
reliability
and
validity.
Avoids
demand
characteristics.
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What are the strengths of structured observations?
Strengths:
Easier and more systematic data recording.
Likely to produce
quantitative
data for comparison.
Smaller risk of
observer
bias.
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What is a strength of unstructured observations?
Strengths:
Produces more
detailed
results
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What is time sampling in observational research?
Observer records
behaviors
in a given
time
frame.
E.g., noting what a target individual is doing every
15
or
20
seconds.
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What is event sampling in observational research?
A
target behavior
or event is established.
Researcher
records
this
event
every time it
occurs.
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What are behavioral categories in observational research?
Categories must be decided
beforehand.
They should be
objective
, cover possible behaviors, and be
mutually exclusive
.
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What is observer bias?
It occurs when an
observer
makes their own
interpretation
of the
behavior
they observe.
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What is ethnocentrism in observational research?
It happens when the researcher makes value
judgments
about another
culture
from their own
cultural
system.
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What is inter-observer reliability?
It is the extent to which a data collection tool produces
similar
data among observers.
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How can you increase reliability and validity in observational research?
Use an
observation
schedule.
Implement a
double-blind
technique.
Provide clear
definitions
of
terms.
Conduct a
pilot
study.
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what are weaknesses of naturalistic observations?
Weaknesses:
Difficult to
control
.
Ethical
considerations.
Potential for
observer
bias.
what is a weakness of unstructured observations?
Weaknesses:
Greater risk of
observer
bias.
Produces
qualitative
data that is
harder
to
analyse.
what are weaknesses of structured observations?
Weaknesses:
Results may lack
depth
and detail.
Important
behaviours
might be overlooked.
what are weaknesses of covert observations?
Weaknesses:
Raises ethical concerns due to lack of
informed consent
.
Deception
is required.
Risk of
illegal
or dangerous activities.
what are weaknesses of overt observations?
Weaknesses:
High risk of observer effect
Can increase demand characteristics.
Difficult to repeat and not always representative.
what are weaknesses of participant observations?
covert
participation observation raises
ethical
difficulties
very
time
consuming if done
covertly
hard to
generalise
data from
small sample sizes
risk of getting too involved and giving
bias data
what are weaknesses of non participant observation?
can lead to
demand characteristics
time
consuming
costly
may be hard to gain
accurate
results from a
distance
what are weaknesses of controlled observations?
Weaknesses:
Increased
demand characteristics
if participants know they are observed.
Low
ecological validity
.
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