observational design

• What are the different types of observations?

  Behavioural categories, event sampling, time sampling
• What is meant by participant observation?

  Researcher becomes part of the group being studied
• What are the features of observational design?

  • Helps narrow focus on specific behaviours
  • Uses behavioural categories, time sampling, event sampling
  • Addresses challenges in observing all behaviours
• What is a challenge of observational design?

  It can be difficult to observe all behaviour
• Why are behavioural categories used in observations?

  To break down behaviour into measurable components
• How do behavioural categories help in observations?

  They make data collection structured and objective
• How do behavioural categories increase reliability in observations?

  Different observers record the same data consistently
• What should behavioural categories be like?

  Observable and measurable, clear and unambiguous
• What is a limitation of behavioural categories?

  Categories must not overlap to avoid confusion
• What are the strengths and limitations of event sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Useful for infrequent target behaviours
  • Reduces number of observations needed
  • Easy to pre-select behaviours

  
  

  Limitations:

  • May miss interesting unlisted events
  • Can overlook behaviours if too many occur at once
• What are the strengths and limitations of time sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Provides a snapshot of behaviour
  • Reduces number of observations needed

  
  

  Limitations:

  • No data from gaps between observations
  • May not be representative of overall behaviour