Observational Design

• What is the purpose of observational designs?

  To record behaviors in a systematic way
• Why is it difficult to conduct observations?

  It's hard to decide what to record
• What are structured observations?

  Observations with a systematic recording method
• What are unstructured observations?

  Observations without a systematic recording system
• What is a benefit of structured observations?

  They provide more objective and rigorous data
• What is a drawback of structured observations?

  They lack richness and detail in data
• What are behavioral categories in structured observations?

  A list of specific behaviors to observe
• Why should behavioral categories be operationalized?

  To ensure they are clear and measurable
• How would you categorize affectionate behaviors?

  Hugging, kissing, smiling, holding hands
• What is the Facial Action Coding System (FACS)?

  A system to code facial expressions
• What is time sampling?

  Recording behavior at set time intervals
• What is a limitation of time sampling?

  Some behaviors may be missed outside intervals
• What is a strength of event sampling?

  It can capture rare behaviors effectively
• Why should researchers not conduct observations alone?

  To avoid personal biases affecting results
• What is inter-observer reliability?

  Agreement between multiple observers' recordings
• How can researchers establish inter-observer reliability?

  By comparing data from simultaneous observations
• What statistical test is used for inter-observer reliability?

  Spearman’s rho correlational test
• What indicates strong inter-observer reliability?

  A value of +0.80 and above
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of structured and unstructured observations?

  Structured Observations:

  • Strengths: Objective, rigorous, quantitative data
  • Weaknesses: Less detail, less richness

  
  

  Unstructured Observations:

  • Strengths: Detailed, in-depth data
  • Weaknesses: Observer bias, subjectivity, too much to record
• What are the steps to create effective behavioral categories?

  1. Define observable behaviors clearly
  2. Ensure categories are comprehensive
  3. Make categories mutually exclusive
  4. Use a tally chart for recording
• What is the importance of using filler questions in research?

  • Distracts from the study's focus
  • Reduces demand characteristics
  • Improves validity of responses
• What are the key components of a good observational study?

  • Clear behavioral categories
  • Reliable sampling methods
  • Multiple observers for bias reduction
  • Training for observers
• What are the strengths and limitations of time sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Easier to manage
  • Suitable for ongoing behaviors

  
  

  Limitations:

  • May miss behaviors outside intervals
  • Not representative of all behaviors
• What are the strengths and limitations of event sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Captures rare behaviors

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Difficult to record everything if too frequent
• What is the role of training in establishing inter-observer reliability?

  • Familiarizes observers with categories
  • Ensures consistent data recording
  • Helps resolve interpretation differences
• What should be included in a debrief form after a study?

  • True aims of the study
  • Information on any deception
  • Right to withdraw data
• What is observer bias and how does it affect research?

  • Observer bias: Expectations influence observations
  • Reduces validity of the data collected
• What is the significance of operationalizing behaviors in observational studies?

  • Ensures clarity and measurability
  • Reduces ambiguity in data collection
• How can researchers improve the validity of their observational studies?

  • Use multiple observers
  • Train observers thoroughly
  • Implement structured observation methods