Observations

• Observation


  When a researcher watches or listens to participants behaviour
• Naturalistic observation


  An observation that takes place in a natural setting
• Controlled observation


  An observation that takes place in a controlled setting
• Covert observation


  When the participants are aware they are being studied
• Overt observation


  When the participants are told in advanced that they are being studied
• Participant observation


  When the researcher joins the group being observed
• Non participant observation


  When the researcher remains separate from the group
• Categories of behaviour


  Time sampling and event sampling
• Time sampling


  Recording behaviour at specific times intervals
• Event sampling


  Recording the behaviour every time it happens
• Interobserver reliability 


  Observation should be carried out by more than one researcher. This prevents researcher bias and increase the reliability of the observation
• Steps to check interobserver reliability

  Create categories of behaviour

  Watch the same sequence of behaviour

  Compare data