Observational Design

• What are the two ways to record data?

  Structured Observation and Unstructured Observation
• What are the characteristics of Structured Observation?

  • Simplifies target behaviour
  • Quantifies observations
  • Uses predetermined behaviours and sampling methods
• What is a strength of Structured Observation?

  Use of Behavioural Categories
• Why is data from Structured Observation easier to analyze?

  It is more likely to be quantitative
• What is a limitation of Structured Observation?

  Less rich data collected
• What are the characteristics of Unstructured Observation?

  • Write down everything observed
  • Data is rich in detail
  • Useful for small scale observations
• What is a strength of Unstructured Observation?

  More rich data collected
• What is a limitation of Unstructured Observation?

  Produces qualitative data
• What is another limitation of Unstructured Observation?

  More difficult to record and analyze
• What is a third limitation of Unstructured Observation?

  No Behavioural Categories
• What is a fourth limitation of Unstructured Observation?

  Greater risk of observer bias
• What must a researcher do to produce a Structured Observation?

  Break up the target behaviour into Behavioural Categories
• What are Behavioural Categories?

  Components of target behaviour that are observable
• What should be covered in the checklist for Behavioural Categories?

  All possible behaviours
• What is required for inter-observer reliability?

  Two observers must agree on behaviours
• Why is it recommended for researchers to not conduct observational studies alone?

  They may miss important details
• What is Event Sampling?

  Counting occurrences of particular behaviour
• What is a strength of Event Sampling?

  Useful when target behaviour could be missed
• What is a limitation of Event Sampling?

  Important details may be overlooked
• What is Time Sampling?

  Recording behaviour using a predetermined time frame
• What is a strength of Time Sampling?

  Effective in reducing the number of observations
• What is a limitation of Time Sampling?

  The sample of behaviour may be unrepresentative
• What is Inter-Observer Reliability?

  Comparison of data from different observers
• Why is Inter-Observer Reliability important?

  To check for consistency in observations
• What can happen if researchers conduct observational studies alone?

  They may only notice confirming events