Observational design

• Unstructured observations: 


  • Most appropriate for small groups
  • The researcher writes down everything they see
  • Continuous sampling
  • Greater risk of observer bias
• Structured observation

  • Structures are design-related features which allow the researcher to focus their observation
  • Use of behavioural checklists
  • Defined target behaviour broken down into behaviour categories
• Behavioural categories

  • Target behaviour should be easily observable and measurable
  • No overlap between categories
  • Unambiguous categories
  • No ‘dustbin’ category