observational techniques

• What are the two types of observational settings mentioned?

  Naturalistic and controlled
• What is the aim of observational techniques?

  To develop an understanding of observational types
• What characterizes naturalistic observations?

  Behavior is recorded in its natural setting
• Why is it easier to observe management techniques in a real workplace?

  Because it reflects natural behavior
• What defines controlled observations?

  Behavior is recorded in a structured environment
• When is it easier to observe attachment styles?

  In a specially designed playroom
• What is covert observation?

  Participants are unaware they are being observed
• What is overt observation?

  Participants know they are being observed
• What is participant observation?

  The researcher joins in as a participant
• What is non-participant observation?

  The researcher observes from the sidelines
• What type of observation is used in "Undercover Boss"?

  Participant observation
• What type of observation is used by OFSTED?

  Non-participant observation
• What should you determine about an observation type?

  If it is qualitative or quantitative data
• What is a strength of naturalistic observation?

  High ecological validity in natural environments
• What is a limitation of naturalistic observation?

  Cannot be replicated to check reliability
• What is a strength of controlled observation?

  Can be replicated to check reliability
• What is a limitation of controlled observation?

  Low ecological validity in artificial environments
• What is a strength of covert observation?

  Investigator effects are unlikely
• What is a limitation of covert observation?

  Less ethical due to lack of consent
• What is a strength of overt observation?

  Participants can give informed consent
• What is a limitation of overt observation?

  Behavior can be distorted by investigator effects
• What is a strength of participant observation?

  Greater insight from being part of the group
• What is a limitation of participant observation?

  Researcher may lose objectivity
• What is a strength of non-participant observation?

  Researcher can maintain objectivity
• What is a limitation of non-participant observation?

  Researcher may lose valuable insight
• What are the two types of observational designs?

  • Unstructured observation: writing everything observed
  • Structured observation: using systems to record behavior
• What is time sampling in observational design?

  Recording actions at present time
• What is event sampling in observational design?

  Counting the number of times a behavior occurs
• What is a tally chart used for in observations?

  To record behaviors systematically
• What is the hypothesis regarding males and females in "Friends"?

  Males get more laughs than females
• How should you design an observation study?

  • Determine if it is overt or covert
  • Decide on participant or non-participant
  • Choose naturalistic or structured
  • Select time or event sampling
• What should you analyze after conducting observations?

  How results address the hypothesis
• What problems can arise with observations?

  Issues with inter-observer reliability
• How can inter-observer reliability be checked?

  By comparing observations from different observers
• How can inter-observer reliability be avoided?

  By training observers to ensure consistency
• What tasks should you practice for observational techniques?

  • Practice pages 28-30
  • Complete worksheets 6.17 & 6.18