Learning theories: Observations (Methodology) P2

Question 1

What is participant observation?

Answer 1

Observer participates in ongoing activities + records observations

Researcher plays role in study

Question 2

What is non-participant observation?

Answer 2

Observer doesn’t participate directly in activities being observed

Researcher has more distant role/no contact - observed through 1-way mirrors or cameras

Question 3

What are strengths of participant observation?

Answer 3

• Inside viewpoint, more detailed + valid
• Only way to observe behaviour from e.g. gangs, cults

Question 4

What are weaknesses of participant observation?

Answer 4

• Events interpreted through researchers eyes, more difficult to be objective + more experimenter bias
• Hard to replicate, low in reliability
• Ethical issues if ppts are deceived
• Ppt can be influenced

Question 5

What are strengths of non-participant observation?

Answer 5

• Easier to remain objective
• No influence on behaviour
• Less ethical issues

Question 6

What are weaknesses in non-participant observation?

Answer 6

• Cant observe certain behaviour
• Less detail + accuracy

Question 7

How can observations produce quantitative data?

Answer 7

Collect data by tallying

Question 8

How can observations produce qualitative data?

Answer 8

Collecting data through observer narratives, audio + visual recordings

Question 9

What are the 2 sampling techniques to record data in observations?

Answer 9

Event sampling, time sampling

Used when difficult to record everything in observation

Question 10

What is event sampling?

Answer 10

Tallying every time chosen behaviour appears

Less chance of behaviour being missed

Question 11

What is time sampling?

Answer 11

Setting a time + only tallying in that time

Might miss info between time blocks

Question 12

What is inter-rater reliability?

Answer 12

Useful to have 2 or more observers, if they have similar results = higher reliability

Question 13

How do you improve inter-rater reliability?

Answer 13

• Use clearly defined + operationalised coding systems (to counteract observer bias inconsistency with other observers)
• Train observers with practise observations
• Compare observer’s results + data

Question 14

What are strengths of quantitative data?

Answer 14

• Easier to analyse
• Quantities are a more objective measure

Question 15

What are weaknesses of quantitative data?

Answer 15

• May not express ppt’s precise thoughts/feelings, answers are fixed
• Oversimplifies reality + human experiences, reductionist?

Question 16

What are the strengths of qualitative data?

Answer 16

• Reflects true complexities of human thoughts + behaviour
• Provides rich details, high in validity

Question 17

What are the weaknesses of qualitative data?

Answer 17

• Difficult to detect patterns + draw conclusions
• Interpreting what people mean is likely subjective, lowering credibility