Observations

• What will the video on research methods in psychology cover?

  The video will cover various observation types and their strengths and weaknesses.
• What is the definition of observation in research?

  Observation is researchers watching and recording behaviour as it happens.
• What are the two main types of observation researchers can choose from?

  Controlled observation and naturalistic observation.
• What is a controlled observation?

  A controlled observation is when researchers control the situation participants experience and record their behaviours.
• What is an advantage of controlled observations?

  They reduce the effects of extraneous variables on participants' behaviour.
• What is a major weakness of controlled observations?

  The environment is artificial, which may not reflect natural behaviour.
• What is a naturalistic observation?

  A naturalistic observation involves observing participants in their normal environment.
• What is an advantage of naturalistic observations?

  They provide high realism, as participants behave normally.
• What is a weakness of naturalistic observations?

  The lack of control may lead to unknown extraneous variables affecting behaviour.
• What is the difference between overt and covert observation?

  In overt observation, participants know they are being observed; in covert observation, they do not.
• What is a key ethical guideline related to overt observation?

  Participants need to give their informed consent to take part in research.
• What is a potential issue with overt observation?

  Participants may change their behaviour due to being observed, known as demand characteristics.
• What is a benefit of covert observation?

  It allows researchers to observe natural behaviour without participants altering their actions.
• What is a major ethical concern with covert observation?

  Participants have not given informed consent to be observed.
• What are the two types of observational techniques mentioned?

  Participant observation and non-participant observation.
• What is a participant observation?

  A participant observation involves the researcher becoming involved in the group they are studying.
• What is an advantage of participant observation?

  The researcher gains first-hand knowledge of the participants' situation.
• What is a potential risk of participant observation?

  The researcher may lose objectivity and become biased.
• What is a non-participant observation?

  A non-participant observation involves the researcher recording the group without becoming part of it.
• What is an advantage of non-participant observation?

  It increases objectivity by keeping the researcher separate from the group.
• What is a weakness of non-participant observation?

  It may lose important findings due to the researcher being too far removed from participants' experiences.
• What are operationalised behavioural categories?

  • Clearly defining a variable for objective measurement
  • Example: Observing aggressive behaviour by recording every punch, push, and kick
  • Helps create a list of observable and countable behaviours
• What is time sampling in observational research?

  Time sampling involves recording relevant behaviour at set intervals during an observation.
• What is event sampling in observational research?

  Event sampling involves recording all behaviour from a list of operationalised behavioural categories.
• What is a limitation of time sampling?

  Important behaviour may be missed outside of the short recording periods.
• What is a limitation of event sampling?

  It may require many observers to accurately record all participants' behaviour.
• What is inter-rater reliability?

  Inter-rater reliability is a test using two researchers to compare their observations for consistency.
• How do researchers assess inter-rater reliability?

  By conducting a test of correlation, such as Spearman’s rho, on their data sets.
• What correlation value do researchers typically expect for reliable results?

  Researchers typically expect a correlation of 0.8 for reliable results.
• What resources are available on psych boost for research methods?

  • 6 tutorial videos covering AS and A-level research methods
  • Worked examples for every question
  • Over a hundred printable resources
• Who supports the development of the research methods unit on psych boost?

  • Students and teachers who contribute on Patreon
  • Their support allows for part-time teaching and content creation