observational design

• Unstructured observation: where the researcher writes everything down they want to see, and what they write down is usually in great depth and detail therefore producing qualitative data. 

  Strengths:

  The data collected is rich in detail.

  Limitations:

  It is a greater risk of observer bias, as the observer may only write down or record the behaviour that catches the eye, so it can be seen as a subjective way of recording the data.
• Event sampling is where a tally is recorded when a certain behaviour is performed. 

  Strengths:

  Useful for when the behaviour wanting to be recorded is infrequent. 

  Limitations:

  It can be too complex as the observer may overlook important details. 
• Time sampling where a set period of time like every 5 minutes to test a behaviour. For this type you are mainly interested in one specific individual and how they act. 

  Strengths:

  It is effective as there is less observations being made

  Limitations:

  It does not provide a true  representation of the behaviour being recorded.
• Structured observation: Structured observation is where target behaviour becomes the main focus of their investigation. 

  Strengths:

  Makes the data easier to record and more systematic due to the behavioural categories. It is also more likely to produce quantitative data therefore the data produced will be easier to analyse and compare between the different participants. 

  Limitations: 

  It can lack detail, as no or lack of qualitative data to analyse. 
• Continuous recording:

  It is mainly used in unstructured sampling and the behaviour is recorded the whole way through and then analysed at a later date. This type can be used during counselling sessions etc, as there may be too much going on to pick up specific behaviours throughout the session.
• Unstructured observation is where the researcher writes everything down they want to see, and what they write down is usually in great depth and detail therefore producing qualitative data. 

  Strengths:

  The data collected is rich in detail.

  Limitations:

  It is a greater risk of observer bias, as the observer may only write down or record the behaviour that catches the eye, so it can be seen as a subjective way of recording the data.
• Behavioural categories: These are mainly used in structured observations and are used to record set behaviours. Firstly, the set behaviour you want to observe is identified, then after that you break up that behaviour into sub categories. For example, affection could be broken down into hugging, kissing, smiling, laughing etc. These behaviours should be made observable and measurable. Helping to reduce observer bias as two different observers have to agree on this as they could interpret it differently. 
• Behavioral categories Strengths:

  The behaviours are studied objectively so the categories are made very clear and unambiguous., so it is unable to require any further interpretation. 

  Limitations:

  There is the possibility of dustbin categories where two of the categories overlap and differences are not able to be distinguished. To stop this you would have two observers to ensure no categories overlap.