observational techniques

• observation

  researcher recording behaviour as it happens
• controlled observation


  situation is controlled to give participants same experience
• pros of controlled observation


  reduce extraneous variables as it is done in the lab
• cons of controlled observation


  lacks ecological validity as results cannot be applied to the real world
• naturalistic observation


  takes place in participant normal environment
• pros of natural observation

  increase in mundane realism as experiment is done in natural environment

  external validity increased, more generalisable.
• cons of natural observation


  uncontrolled EV lowers internal validity
• overt

  participants know they are being observed
• covert


  participants are not aware that they are being observed
• participant


  the observer is part of the group being observed
• non participant


  the observer observes from a distance and does not interact with people being studied
• pros of observational studies

  • High validity
  • detailed capture spontaneous behaviour
  • useful, used to measure DV in an Experiment
• cons of observational studies

  • observer bias
  • limited, only observable behaviour
• What are the two types of observation mentioned?

  Structured and unstructured observation
• When is structured observation typically chosen by researchers?

  When observing large samples in busy environments
• What is the main focus of structured observation?

  Gathering quantitative data on specific behaviors
• Give an example of a behavior observed in structured observation.

  Ignoring instructions or obeying instructions
• What type of data do researchers gather in structured observations?

  Quantitative data
• How does structured observation help researchers quantify behaviors?

  By focusing on predetermined areas of interest
• What are the strengths of structured observation?

  • Quick and easy quantitative data collection
  • Data can show trends and frequencies
  • Large samples lead to reliable results
  • Predetermined categories keep focus on relevant behaviors
• What are the limitations of structured observation?

  • Lacks explanatory power for behaviors
  • Cannot include unpredicted relevant behaviors
  • Limited usefulness due to predetermined categories
• When is unstructured observation typically chosen by researchers?

  When observing small samples in intimate environments
• What is the main focus of unstructured observation?

  Observing everything happening during the session
• What type of data do researchers gather in unstructured observations?

  Qualitative data
• What are the strengths of unstructured observation?

  • Provides rich, insightful data
  • High ecological validity
  • Focuses on unique participant experiences
  • Can be used with other methods for triangulation
• What are the limitations of unstructured observation?

  • May lose objectivity and become biased
  • Time-consuming data analysis
  • Findings may not be valid due to subjectivity
• What are behavioural categories used for?

  To record specific behaviours during observation
• Why must behavioural categories only record observable behaviours?

  To avoid ambiguity in observations
• Give an example of a specific behaviour instead of 'aggressive behaviour'.

  Punching, kicking, or shoving
• What should researchers agree on before an observation begins?

  Specific behaviours to be recorded
• What does ABL stand for in behavioural categories?

  Aggressive body language
• What does NABG stand for in behavioural categories?

  Non-aggressive behaviour
• What does AGB represent in behavioural categories?

  Aggressive behaviour
• How should behavioural categories be operationalised?

  To ensure they are specific and clear
• What could ABL be subdivided into?

  Pointing, shaking fist, baring teeth
• What could AGB be subdivided into?

  Punching, kicking, shoving
• What could NABG be subdivided into?

  Smiling, arm-linking, hugging
• How can researchers gain more insight into aggression?

  By categorizing aggression towards boys or girls
• What is researcher bias in observations?

  Influence of personal beliefs on data
• How can researchers test the reliability of their observations?

  By comparing with another researcher's recordings