observational design

• What is an unstructured observation?

  Involves every instance of the observed behaviour being recorded and described in as much detail as possible. This is useful if the behaviour that researchers are interested in does not occur very often and is more usual with naturalistic observation
• What is a structured observation?

  Structured observation is a method of gathering data by observing specific behaviors or events in a controlled setting using a predefined protocol or checklist
• What is a strength of unstructured observations?

  The richness of data obtained

  high ecological validity
• What is a weakness of unstructured observations?

  Prone to observer bias

  lack of standardisation

  time consuming analysis
• What is a strength of structured observations?

  Using a set of behavioural categories enables the recordings made to be consistent

  quantative data is good for analysis-less time consuming

  reduced observer bias
• What are some weakness of structured observations?

  lack of flexibility as categories are pre set

  potential for missing important behaviors

  validity concerns as categories are predefined and may not reflect real life
• What are behavioural categories?

  Breaking the target behaviour into components that can be observed and measured
• Why are behavioural categories useful?

  Makes the coding of the data more systematic. Results in greater inter‐observer reliability.
• What are features of good behavioural categories?

  Observable, measurable and self-evident: should not require further interpretation

  All possible forms of the target behaviour are included in the checklist

  Categories should be exclusive and not overlap
• What is time sampling?

  This is where an observer records behaviour at prescribed intervals, e.g. every 10 seconds.
• What is event sampling?

  Researchers decide on a specific event relevant to the investigation. The relevant event is recorded every time it happens.
• What is a strength of time sampling?

  Useful for when behaviours may be ongoing for a period of time as a snapshot can be taken at intervals.
• What is a weakness of time sampling?

  Not every behaviour of relevance to the investigation will be counted if it occurs in between the time frames allocated.
• What is a strength of event sampling?

  Every behaviour of interest to the

  researcher, in theory, will be counted from the beginning through to the end of the

  observation.
• What is a weakness of event sampling?

  There is the possibility that some

  behaviours could be missed if there is too much happening at the same time, resulting in some not being coded