observations

• What will the video discuss regarding observation types?

  Various observation types and their strengths and weaknesses
• What is the definition of observation in research?

  Researchers watching and recording behaviour as it happens
• What are the two main types of observation researchers can choose from?

  Controlled and naturalistic observation
• What is a controlled observation?

  Participants experience a controlled situation in a lab
• What is an advantage of controlled observations?

  Reduces effects of extraneous variables
• What is a major weakness of controlled observations?

  The environment is artificial and may not reflect reality
• What is a naturalistic observation?

  Participants are observed in their normal environment
• What is an advantage of naturalistic observations?

  High realism and external validity
• What is a weakness of naturalistic observations?

  Lack of control may introduce unknown variables
• What is the difference between overt and covert observation?

  Overt means participants know they are observed
• What is a key ethical guideline for overt observation?

  Participants must give informed consent
• What is a covert observation?

  Participants do not know they are being observed
• What is a disadvantage of overt observation?

  Participants may change their behaviour
• What is a major ethical concern with covert observation?

  Participants have not given informed consent
• What are the two types of participant observation?

  Participant and non-participant observation
• What is a participant observation?

  The researcher becomes involved in the group studied
• What is an advantage of participant observation?

  First-hand knowledge of the participants' situation
• What is a disadvantage of participant observation?

  Risk of losing objectivity and bias
• What is a non-participant observation?

  The researcher records the group without involvement
• What is an advantage of non-participant observation?

  Increased objectivity in data collection
• What is a disadvantage of non-participant observation?

  May miss important findings due to distance
• What are operationalised behavioural categories?

  • Clearly defining a variable
  • Allows for objective measurement
  • Example: recording specific aggressive actions
• What does it mean to operationalise a behaviour?

  To clearly define a variable for measurement
• What is time sampling in observation?

  Recording behaviour at set time intervals
• What is event sampling in observation?

  Recording all behaviour from a defined list
• What is a limitation of time sampling?

  Important behaviour may be missed outside intervals
• What is a limitation of event sampling?

  May require many observers for accuracy
• What is inter-rater reliability?

  Using two researchers to compare observation results
• How do researchers assess inter-rater reliability?

  By comparing data sets for similarity
• What correlation value do researchers expect for reliable results?

  A correlation of 0.8 or higher
• What resources are available on psych boost for patrons?

  • Tutorial videos covering research methods
  • Worked examples for exam questions
  • Printable resources for A-level
• Who supported the development of the research methods unit?

  • Students and teachers on Patreon
• What will the next video cover?

  Self-reports in research methods