Observations

• Observations

  • Watch and record behaviour in categories
  • Natural IV
  • Quantitative and qualitative (written descriptions)
  • Many research methods use it
  • Event (count occurrence over period) or time sampling (at regular intervals)
  • Overt:
  • Aware
  • Ethic (consent)
  • Demand characteristics
  • Social desirability
  • Covert:
  • Unaware
  • Genuine
  • Unethical
  • Participant:
  • In group
  • Detail
  • Non-participant:
  • Not in group
  • Accurate
  • Structured:
  • Control
  • Standardised
  • Test-retest reliable
  • Low eco valid (artificial)
  • Naturalistic:
  • Natural
  • Eco valid
  • Unreliable
  • Low internal valid
• Observation evaluation

  Strengths:

  • Make observing behaviour manageable
  • Event is useful when behaviour is occasional; missing events would reduce validity
  • Time allows for tracking of time-related changes in behaviour

  Weaknesses:

  • Event is unrepresentative if list isn’t comprehensive
  • Time may miss some behaviour if it occurs outside of interval (reduces validity)
  • Selective inattention; observer looks for retained behaviours rather than those happening, subjective