Structured Non-Participant

• What type of observations does Sociology LT8 focus on?

  Structured non-participant observations
• What does structured observation involve?

  Drawing up an observation schedule that can be overt or covert
• What are the theoretical advantages of structured observation according to positivists?

  • Quantification of data
  • Objectivity in observations
  • Increased reliability through standardization
• How does quantification benefit structured observations?

  It allows for pre-determined observational categories to quantify data
• What does the Flanders scale measure in classroom interactions?

  It measures pupil-pupil and pupil-teacher interaction
• What percentage of classroom interaction is typically teacher talk according to the Flanders scale?

  68%
• What is a limitation of the quantitative approach in structured observations?

  It lacks depth compared to unstructured observation
• What is a potential problem with pre-defining results in structured observations?

  It may lead to a lack of flexibility in categorizing behaviors
• How does structured observation help maintain objectivity?

  It allows researchers to remain detached and avoid 'going native'
• What is a criticism of the objectivity in structured observations?

  Events may not fit neatly into predefined categories
• How do standardized behavior categories affect reliability in research?

  They increase reliability by allowing research to be replicated
• What is a practical issue related to access in structured observations?

  Some groups may be unwilling to allow structured observations
• Why might schools be reluctant to allow structured observations?

  They may fear negative publicity
• What is a practical advantage of structured observations compared to unstructured ones?

  They are quicker and cheaper to conduct
• What are the theoretical disadvantages of structured observation according to interpretivists?

  • Low validity due to predefined categories
  • Lack of rapport with subjects
  • Potential for the Hawthorne effect
• How does the predefined nature of structured observations affect validity?

  It lowers validity by imposing the researcher's view on what should be recorded
• What is the Hawthorne effect?

  It is when subjects change their behavior because they know they are being observed
• What is a criticism of fixed categories in structured observations?

  They ignore the meanings that participants give to situations
• What are some recommended readings for further understanding of structured observations in sociology?

  • Webb R et al. (2015) AQA A level Sociology, Book One
  • Webb R & Trobe K. (2015) Succeed at A Level Sociology
  • Browne K. (2015) Sociology for AQA Vol 1
• What is the timing for the Sample AS Paper 1 Education with Methods in Context?

  1. 30 minutes per mark available
• What is one of the tasks in Sample AS Paper 1 related to participant observation?

  Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using participant observation to investigate labelling in schools
• What is one of the tasks in Sample AS Paper 2 regarding ethical concerns?

  Outline two ethical concerns of using covert participant observation
• What is one of the tasks in Sample A level Paper 1 related to classroom interactions?

  Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using non-participant observation for studying classroom interactions
• What is one of the tasks in Sample A level Paper 3 regarding observational research?

  Outline and explain two ethical issues when carrying out observational research
• What is one of the tasks in Sample A level Paper 3 related to participant observation?

  Evaluate the advantages that some sociologists see in using participant observation