observation

• What is the observational technique described in the study material?

  Observational technique involves watching behavior
• How is observation used in experiments?

  To assess the dependent variable (DV)
• What advantage does observation provide in research?

  It can capture unexpected behavior
• How can observer bias be reduced?

  By using more than one observer
• What is the characteristic of naturalistic observation?

  It occurs in a natural setting
• What is a benefit of naturalistic observation?

  High external validity to everyday life
• What is a limitation of controlled observation?

  Low external validity
• What is the purpose of standardised procedures in controlled observations?

  To allow findings to be replicated
• What is a potential ethical issue with covert observation?

  Participants may not want their behavior recorded
• What is the difference between overt and covert observation?

  Overt means participants know they are studied
• What is a disadvantage of overt observation?

  It can influence participants' behavior
• What is participant observation?

  Researcher is part of the group studied
• What is a potential drawback of participant observation?

  Loss of objectivity from researcher
• What is non-participant observation?

  Researcher remains separate from the group
• What is a benefit of non-participant observation?

  Increased objectivity in observations
• What are behavioral categories in observational designs?

  They classify observed behaviors into groups
• What is a challenge with behavioral categories?

  Categories may overlap and be unclear
• What is unstructured observation?

  It involves recording behaviors without categories
• What is structured observation?

  It includes behavioral categories and sampling methods
• What is time sampling in observations?

  Observations are made at regular intervals
• What is event sampling in observations?

  Every occurrence of a behavior is recorded
• What is a limitation of event sampling?

  Complex behaviors may be oversimplified
• What is a benefit of structured observations?

  They are easy to replicate
• What is a limitation of unstructured observations?

  They are not easily replicable
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of observational research methods?

  Strengths:

  • Captures natural behavior
  • Reduces demand characteristics
  • Provides rich qualitative data

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ethical concerns with covert observation
  • Observer bias may affect results
  • Difficult to replicate unstructured observations
• What type of data does unstructured observation provide?

  Qualitative data
• Why is it important to have clear behavioral categories?

  To ensure observations are consistent and clear
• What is the role of sampling methods in structured observation?

  To systematically select behaviors for observation
• How does structured observation differ from unstructured observation?

  Structured observation uses categories and sampling
• What is the significance of replicability in research findings?

  It confirms the reliability of the results
• What is the impact of demand characteristics on research validity?

  They can reduce the validity of findings
• inter-observer reliability

  recommended that researchers don’t conduct studies alone