Observation

• What is the definition of observation in research?

  Researchers watching and recording behavior
• What influences the type of observation a researcher might choose?

  The research question being investigated
• What is a controlled observation?

  Observation in a controlled situation
• What is an advantage of controlled observations?

  Reduces effects of extraneous variables
• What is a major weakness of controlled observations?

  The environment may be artificial
• What is a naturalistic observation?

  Observation in the participant's normal environment
• What is a key advantage of naturalistic observations?

  High realism in participant behavior
• What is a disadvantage of naturalistic observations?

  Unknown extraneous variables may affect behavior
• What is an overt observation?

  Participants know they are being observed
• Why is informed consent important in overt observations?

  Participants must agree to take part
• What is a weakness of overt observations?

  Participants may change their behavior
• What is a covert observation?

  Participants do not know they are being observed
• What is a key advantage of covert observations?

  Observes natural behavior of participants
• What is a major ethical concern with covert observations?

  Participants have not given informed consent
• What is a participant observation?

  Researcher becomes involved in the group
• What is an advantage of participant observations?

  Researcher gains first-hand knowledge
• What is a disadvantage of participant observations?

  Risk of losing objectivity and bias
• What is a non-participant observation?

  Researcher records without becoming part of the group
• What is an advantage of non-participant observations?

  Increases objectivity in data collection
• What is a disadvantage of non-participant observations?

  May miss important findings from participants
• What are operationalized behavioral categories?

  • Clearly defining a variable
  • Allows for objective measurement
  • Example: Observing aggression by counting punches, pushes, kicks
• What is the purpose of a frequency chart in observations?

  To record observed behaviors easily
• What is time sampling in observational research?

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

  Important behavior may be missed
• What is event sampling in observational research?

  Recording all behavior from defined categories
• What is inter-rater reliability?

  Agreement between two researchers' observations
• What is a disadvantage of event sampling?

  May require many observers for accuracy
• How do researchers test inter-rater reliability?

  By comparing data sets from two observers
• What correlation value do researchers expect for reliable results?

  A correlation of 0.8 or higher