observation

• What are the two main types of data recording methods discussed in Lesson 7?

  Structured and unstructured observation
• What are the common themes for evaluating data recording and sampling methods?

  • Structured/unstructured: richness and reliability of data
  • Time/event sampling: representativeness and manageability of data
• What does structured observation aim to achieve in terms of data quality?

  It aims to obtain rich and detailed data
• How does structured observation ensure reliability in data collection?

  By providing consistent recordings with less subjective interpretation
• What is a potential issue with time sampling in data collection?

  Infrequent behaviors may be missed
• What is a strength of using time sampling when behavior is frequent?

  It makes the observation more manageable
• What is a limitation of structured observation regarding subjective interpretation?

  It may lead to more subjective interpretation by researchers
• How can structured observation affect the richness of data collected?

  It may result in less rich data if crucial behaviors are missed
• What is a limitation of recording frequent or ongoing behaviors?

  It may make the observation harder to manage
• Why might structured observation not be representative of target behavior?

  Some behaviors may be missed if not recorded during specified time frames
• What are the strengths of structured observation?

  • Richness of data obtained
  • Consistent recordings through behavioral categories
  • More representative of target behavior
  • Easier to record frequent behaviors
• What are the limitations of structured observation?

  • More subjective interpretation by researchers
  • Potentially less rich data due to missed behaviors
  • Difficulty in managing frequent behaviors
  • May not be representative of target behavior
• What is the definition of continuous recording of behavior?

  It is when the researcher records all relevant behavior they see
• What are operationalized behavioral categories?

  They are objectively defined categories to avoid ambiguity
• Why is it important to use behavioral categories in observations?

  To structure what is recorded and ensure clarity
• How does event sampling work in observational studies?

  The researcher records behavior each time it occurs
• What is time sampling in observational studies?

  It involves recording behavior at set time intervals
• How can time sampling be implemented during a five-minute observation?

  By recording behavior every 20 seconds during the observation
• What are the strengths and limitations of participant observation?

  Strengths:

  • In-depth data collection
  • Unique insights into behavior

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Potential for investigator effects
  • Loss of objectivity
• What are the evaluation ideas for different types of observations?

  • Setting: Internal and ecological validity
  • Observer's status: Ethical considerations
  • Observer's involvement: Investigator effects
• What is a controlled observation?

  It involves watching behavior in a structured environment
• What is a naturalistic observation?

  It involves observing behavior in its natural environment
• What is the difference between covert and overt observation?

  Covert observation is done without participants' knowledge, while overt observation is visible
• What are the ethical considerations of covert observation?

  Participants are unaware and cannot give informed consent
• What are the strengths of overt observation?

  Participants are aware and can give consent
• What is a limitation of overt observation?

  Demand characteristics may be more likely as participants know they are being observed
• What are the strengths and limitations of controlled observations?

  Strengths:

  • High internal validity
  • High ecological validity

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Low ecological validity in artificial settings
  • Low internal validity due to extraneous variables
• What are the strengths and limitations of naturalistic observations?

  Strengths:

  • High ecological validity
  • More ethical with consent

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Low internal validity
  • Demand characteristics may occur
• What are the strengths and limitations of covert observations?

  Strengths:

  • High internal validity
  • Less demand characteristics

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Ethical issues with consent
  • Participants are unaware of the observation
• What are the strengths and limitations of overt observations?

  Strengths:

  • Ethical as participants consent
  • Investigator effects are less likely

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Demand characteristics may occur
  • Less in-depth data
• What is the definition of retrieval cues?

  They are stimuli that help retrieve information from memory
• What are the two types of participant observation?

  Participant observation and non-participant observation
• How does participant observation differ from non-participant observation?

  In participant observation, the researcher becomes part of the group being studied
• What is an example of participant observation?

  The researcher plays with preschool children while observing their social behaviors
• What is an example of non-participant observation?

  The researcher observes preschool children from the kitchen area
• What is the definition of controlled observation?

  It is observing behavior in a structured environment
• What is the definition of naturalistic observation?

  It is observing behavior in its natural environment
• What is the implication of overt observation for participants?

  Participants are aware they are being observed
• What is the definition of overt observation?

  It is observing behavior where participants know they are being watched
• What is the definition of covert observation?

  It is observing behavior without participants' knowledge or consent