Observational design

Question 1

What are behavioural characteristics?

Answer 1

When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable

Question 2

What is event sampling?

Answer 2

A target individual/group is established, then the researcher records records the event every time it occurs

Question 3

What is time sampling?

Answer 3

A target individual/group is established, then the researcher records their behaviour in a fixed time frame

Question 4

What are the two main ways of recording data?

Answer 4

• Structured observation
• Unstructured observation

Question 5

What is structured observation?

Answer 5

Simplifies target behaviours that become the main focus of the investigation, using behavioural characteristics

Question 6

What is unstructured observation?

Answer 6

Researcher notes down everything they see- rich in detail

Question 7

What is the purpose of behavioural characteristics?

Answer 7

Produce a structured record of observations (acts as a checklist)

Question 8

What are the two main sampling methods?

Answer 8

• Event sampling
• Time sampling

Question 9

What is inter-observer reliability?

Answer 9

Observation carried out by two or more researchers- discuss interpretations

Question 10

What are the strengths of structured observations?

Answer 10

• Data recording is easier and more systematic
• Data is quantitative, so analysis and comparisons is more straightforward

Question 11

What are the strengths of unstructured observations?

Answer 11

• More depth of detail produced

Question 12

What are the limitations of structured observations?

Answer 12

• Lacks in-depth detail

Question 13

What are the limitations of unstructured observations?

Answer 13

• Harder to record and analyse qualitative data
• Greater risk of observer bias

Question 14

What are the strengths of behavioural characteristics?

Answer 14

• Data collection is more structured and objective

Question 15

What are the limitations of behavioural characteristics?

Answer 15

• Data collection must be clear and unambiguous
• Categories must not overlap

Question 16

What are the strengths of time sampling?

Answer 16

• Reduces the number of observations carried out (saves time)

Question 17

What are the limitations of time sampling?

Answer 17

• May be unrepresentative of the observation as a whole

Question 18

What are the strengths of event sampling?

Answer 18

• Useful when target behaviour occurs infrequently, and could otherwise be missed

Question 19

What are the limitations of event sampling?

Answer 19

• Observer may overlook important details