Sampling in Observations

• Types of sampling in observations:

  • Time sampling
  • Event Sampling
• Event Sampling = Counting the number of times a behaviour occurs each time it occurs in a target individual or individuals.
• Time Sampling = Counting behaviour in a set time frame
• Time Sampling - Strengths:

  • Less opportunity to miss behaviour due to recording observational notes as there are breaks taken for that.
• Time Sampling - Weaknesses:

  • There is a chance of missing behaviour as an observation is interrupted in between time intervals
• Event Sampling - Strengths:

  • Less chance of missing behaviour as we are observing an entire sequence of behaviour.
• Event Sampling - Weaknesses:

  • Behaviour may be missed as behaviour is continuous and different behaviour would be happening at the same time, whilst you have to make notes.