0.9. Observational techniques

Question 1

Structural observations- need to define behaviour categories

Answer 1

• these need to be objective, cover all possible behaviours and be mutually exclusive (separate)
• they must be OPERATIONALISED (clear, specific and measurable)
• they lead to testable hypothesis
• they allow for higher reliability
• quantify data= easier to analyse

Question 2

Event sampling

Answer 2

Every time the event happens, you record

Question 3

Strength of event sampling

Answer 3

Good for infrequent behaviour (get all behaviour)- complex behaviours are simplified

Question 4

Time sampling

Answer 4

Record behaviours in a given time frame
I.e. first 10 seconds of every minute

Question 5

Strength of time sampling

Answer 5

+ good for really busy observations, data recorded as intervals

Question 6

weakness of time sampling

Answer 6

• important details can be missed

Question 7

How should you record data?

Answer 7

Record using a tally system (increased reliability as can replicate)

Question 8

Naturalistic

Answer 8

Behaviour is studied in a natural situation where everything has been left as it is normally

Question 9

Controlled observation

Answer 9

Some variables are controlled by the researcher, reducing the naturalness of behaviour being studied
Ppts know they’re being studied