behavioural catagories

• Before the observation begins the researcher should ensure that they have as far as possible included all the ways in which the target behaviour may occur within their behavioural checklist.
• • They create behaviour categories. These have to be operationalised. ​
• • One way we could observe would be to watch whatever we are interested in and simply write down everything we see. However, this would be very difficult to do. Instead psychologists usually focus on specific behaviours that interest them.​
• Behavioral categories are specific, observable, and measurable components of behavior that are clearly defined to allow researchers to record data systematically.
• • Operationalized: Each behavior is clearly defined so all observers understand and recognize the same thing.
  • Example: Instead of “aggressive behavior,” a category might specify “pushing another person.”
• • Objective: Categories are based on observable actions, avoiding subjective judgments like “feeling angry.”
• throwing a toy out of a pram