Observational Designs

• What is a problem associated with observational designs?

  Observer bias can easily occur.
• What is observer bias?

  It is when an observer's reports are influenced by their expectations.
• How can researchers address observer bias in observational studies?

  By checking the inter-observer reliability of the observation.
• What formula is used to calculate inter-observer reliability?

  Inter-observer reliability = Total number of agreements / total number of observations x 100.
• What score indicates high inter-observer reliability?

  A score above 80% indicates high inter-observer reliability.
• What are the strengths and limitations of unstructured observational designs?

  Strengths:

  • Provides richness and depth of detail.
  • Produces qualitative data.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • More difficult to record and analyze.
  • Higher risk of observer bias.
  • Less depth of detail.
• What are the strengths and limitations of structured observational designs?

  Strengths:

  • Easier and more systematic.
  • Collects quantitative data that is easy to analyze.
  • Less risk of observer bias.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Less depth of detail.
  • Difficult to achieve high inter-observer reliability.
• What are behavioral categories in structured observations?

  Behavioral categories break down target behaviors into observable and measurable components.
• Why is it important to ensure that behaviors do not overlap when forming behavioral categories?

  To ensure that very similar behaviors are not confused or misclassified.
• What are the two types of sampling methods used in structured observations?

  1. Time sampling: Recording behavior within a pre-established timeframe.
  2. Event sampling: Counting the number of times a particular behavior occurs.
• What is a strength of time sampling in observational studies?

  It reduces the number of observations needed, making it less time-consuming.
• What is a limitation of time sampling?

  The small amount of data collected may be unrepresentative of the observation as a whole.
• What is a limitation of event sampling?

  Counting errors can occur if the behavior is very frequent.
• What is a challenge when observing complex behaviors?

  Important details of the behavior may be overlooked by the observer.
• Why is it difficult to judge the beginning and ending of a behavior in event sampling?

  Because behaviors can be continuous and may not have clear boundaries.