What is structured observation?
Allow researcher to quantify their observations by using a pre-determined list of behaviours
What is unstructured observation?
Researcher simply writes down everything they see in detail.
What are behavioural categories also known as?
Behavioural checklist
How are behavioural categories (behavioural checklist) done?
When a target behaviour (e.g. being loving) is broken up into components (e.g. hugging, kissing and smiling) that are observable and measurable/counted.
What is event sampling?
It is when a target behaviour is first established, then the researcher records every time this event occurs.
What is time sampling?
A target behaviour is first established, then the researcher records the participants’ behaviour in every fixed time frame (e.g. every 30 seconds)
What is a strength of structured observations?
Data is more likely to be numerical, which means that analysing and comparing behaviour between participants is more straightforward.
What is a strength of unstructured observations?
More richness and depth of detail in the data collected.
What is a limitation of unstructured observation?
- There may be a risk of observer bias (researcher may only record behaviours that catch their eye)
- Produce qualitative data which is more difficult to record and analyse.
What is a strength of behavioural categories?
Make data collection more structured and objective.
What is a limitation of behavioural categories?
Categories might be unclear and overlap with each other (e.g. ‘smiling’ and ‘grinning’ would be difficult to discern their difference)
What is a strength of event sampling?
Useful when target behaviour is less frequent
What is a limitation of event sampling?
May overlook some details if target behaviour is too complex
What is a strength of time sampling?
It reduces number of observations that have to be made.
What is a limitation of time sampling?
Behaviour that is sampled might be unrepresentative of the observation as a whole.
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Types of experiments24
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Observational techniques15
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Self-report techniques14
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Experimental method (Including Hypothesis)6
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Control of variables (incl. order and investigator effects)6
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Validity5
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Correlations AO34
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Sampling AO39
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Reliability8
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Peer eview1
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Kinds of data15
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Levels of measurement13
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Case studies6
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Content analysis6
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Observational design15
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Probability And Significance4
