Observation

• 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?

  Researchers can choose between controlled and naturalistic observation.
• What is a controlled observation?

  A controlled observation is when the situation is controlled and recorded in a lab setting.
• What is one 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 one advantage of naturalistic observations?

  They provide high realism and external validity.
• What is a major 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 consideration in overt observation?

  Participants need to give their informed consent to take part in the research.
• What is a disadvantage of overt observation?

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

  A covert observation is when participants do not know they are being observed.
• What is a major ethical concern with covert observation?

  It can be argued to be unethical because participants have not given informed consent.
• What are the two types of observational techniques researchers can choose from?

  Researchers can choose between participant 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 one advantage of participant observation?

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

  The researcher risks losing objectivity and becoming biased.
• What is a non-participant observation?

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

  It increases objectivity by keeping the researcher at a distance.
• What is a major disadvantage 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 specific actions like punches, pushes, and kicks
• Why is it important to operationalise behavioural categories?

  It allows for objective measurement of specific behaviours.
• What is time sampling in observational research?

  Time sampling involves recording 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 tests the consistency of observations between two researchers.
• How is inter-rater reliability assessed?

  By comparing the data sets of two researchers who observed the same behaviour.
• What correlation value do most researchers expect to indicate reliable results?

  A correlation of 0.8 is expected to show reliable results.
• What resources are available for students on psych boost?

  • Access to tutorial videos covering AS and A-level research methods
  • Worked examples for every question
  • Printable resources from across the A-level
• 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