Psychology Component 2: Observations(non exp.)

    Cards (38)

    • What is the focus of the study material?
      Observational research methods
    • What are the two main types of observations mentioned?
      Qualitative and quantitative observations
    • What are the types of observational methods described?
      • Naturalistic or controlled
      • Structured or unstructured
      • Participant or non-participant
      • Overt or covert
    • What is naturalistic observation?
      Recording behavior in a natural situation
    • What is controlled observation?
      When some variables are controlled by the researcher
    • What is structured observation?
      Using a systematic method to record behavior
    • What is unstructured observation?
      Recording all relevant behavior without a system
    • What are the observational sampling techniques mentioned?
      • Event sampling
      • Time sampling
    • What is event sampling?
      Recording specific behavior each time it occurs
    • What is time sampling?
      Observing behavior at specific time intervals
    • What is a strength of time sampling?
      Less likely to be overwhelmed by data
    • What is a weakness of time sampling?
      Behaviors outside intervals may be missed
    • What is participant observation?
      Researcher takes on the role of a participant
    • What is a strength of participant observation?
      Less chance of demand characteristics
    • What is a weakness of participant observation?
      Observer bias may affect findings
    • What is non-participant observation?
      Researcher observes without interfering
    • What is a strength of non-participant observation?
      Less chance of observer bias
    • What is a weakness of non-participant observation?
      It can be unethical if participants are unaware
    • What is overt observation?
      Participants know they are being observed
    • What is covert observation?
      Participants are unaware they are being observed
    • What are the general evaluations of observations?
      • High ecological validity in natural settings
      • More accurate than self-reports
      • Low ecological validity in lab settings
      • Subject to observer bias
    • What is a way to deal with observer bias?
      Use more than one observer
    • What is inter-rater reliability?
      Agreement between two or more observers
    • What is a weakness of observations in terms of reliability?
      They are difficult to replicate
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of structured observation?
      Strengths:
      • Systematic recording of behavior
      • Precise and measurable behaviors

      Weaknesses:
      • May miss spontaneous behaviors
      • Limited flexibility in observation
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of unstructured observation?
      Strengths:
      • Captures a wide range of behaviors
      • Flexibility in recording

      Weaknesses:
      • Difficult to analyze data systematically
      • Potential for observer bias
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of covert observation?
      Strengths:
      • Participants act naturally
      • Reduces demand characteristics

      Weaknesses:
      • Ethical concerns regarding consent
      • Observer may misinterpret behavior
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of overt observation?
      Strengths:
      • Ethical as participants are informed
      • Easier to record behavior

      Weaknesses:
      • Participants may alter behavior
      • Higher chance of demand characteristics
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of participant observation?
      Strengths:
      • Insight into participant behavior
      • Builds rapport with participants

      Weaknesses:
      • Observer bias may skew results
      • Difficult to maintain objectivity
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of non-participant observation?
      Strengths:
      • Objective view of behavior
      • Less chance of bias

      Weaknesses:
      • Limited understanding of participant feelings
      • Ethical concerns if participants are unaware
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of time sampling?
      Strengths:
      • Reduces overwhelm for the observer
      • Shows behavior spread over time

      Weaknesses:
      • Misses behaviors outside intervals
      • Complicated tracking of time
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of event sampling?
      Strengths:
      • Captures all occurrences of behavior
      • Simpler than time sampling

      Weaknesses:
      • Can be overwhelming for the observer
      • Difficult to pinpoint timing of behaviors
    • What are the ethical considerations in covert observation?
      • Lack of informed consent
      • Potential for distress to participants
    • What are the ethical considerations in overt observation?
      • Participants must be informed
      • Need to ensure no harm comes to participants
    • What are the implications of observer bias?
      • Affects validity of findings
      • May lead to misinterpretation of behavior
    • What are the implications of demand characteristics?
      • Participants may alter behavior
      • Affects the authenticity of the data
    • What are the implications of ecological validity?
      • Affects generalizability of findings
      • Important for real-world applicability
    • What are the implications of reliability in observations?
      • Consistency of results is crucial
      • Affects the credibility of the research
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