Observation

• What type of data is collected through observation?

  Primary data
• What did Ned Flanders research in U.S. schools?

  • Interactions between students
  • Interactions between students and teachers
  • Used FIAC system for analysis
• What percentage of classroom interactions were based on teacher talk according to Flanders' research?

  68%
• What is the FIAC system used for?

  To analyze classroom interaction types
• What are the strengths of observation as a research method?

  • High validity due to natural behavior
  • Insight into meanings behind behavior
  • Ability to observe body language
• What are the weaknesses of observation as a research method?

  • Time-consuming process
  • Difficulty in gaining rapport
  • Requires extensive writing
• What are the strengths of participant observation?

  • Detailed findings and rich data
  • Less chance of interviewer bias
  • Ability to ask questions for deeper insights
• What are the weaknesses of participant observation?

  • Requires skill in observation and recording
  • Researcher’s social characteristics may affect group
  • May need to learn new skills to fit in
• What are the strengths of covert observation?

  • Reduces the Hawthorne effect
  • Flexibility to change research focus
  • Uncovers unexpected findings
• What are the weaknesses of covert observation?

  • Ethical issues if harm occurs
  • Difficulty in writing up findings
  • Risk of researcher bias in interpretation
• What does overt observation mean?

  Researcher is open about observing
• What is "going native" in research?

  Becoming too subjective in observation
• What is participant observation?

  • Researcher joins group activities
  • Can ask questions if overt
  • Provides close-up insight into group dynamics
• What are the benefits of participant observation?

  • Access to group dynamics
  • First-hand insight in real-life settings
  • Reduces chances of misleading information
• What did Laud Humphreys research in the 1970s?

  • Gay subcultures and public sex
  • Covert role as lookout voyeur
  • Ethical issues due to deception
• What is non-participant observation?

  Observing without participating in the group
• What are the advantages of non-participant observation?

  • Easier to observe without participation
  • Less likely to affect group behavior
  • Allows for objective data collection