Observational design

Question 1

What are the two types of observational design?

Answer 1

Structured observations and unstructured observations

Question 2

What is meant by ‘structured observation’

Answer 2

The researcher uses coded ‘schedules’ dependant upon what their target behaviour is focusing on
They document this behaviour and organise the data into behavioural categories
EG: if target behaviour is aggression then components being observed could be kicking or hitting

Question 3

What is a strength of structured observations?

Answer 3

Make recording data easier and more systematic, because the data is likely to be numerical (quantitive)
This also makes analysing and comparing easier

Question 4

What is a limitation of structured observations?

Answer 4

It lacks internal validity because the researcher may miss crucial behaviours
It lacks finer details

Question 5

What is meant by ‘unstructured observations’?

Answer 5

This is when the researcher writes down everything they see
This produces research that’s rich in detail and is good on a small scale involving small groups of participants

Question 6

What is a strength of unstructured observations?

Answer 6

More richness and depth of detail in data collected
Higher levels of inter-observer reliability

Question 7

What is a limitation of unstructured observation?

Answer 7

Tend to produce qualitative data which may be more difficult to record and analyse
Greater risk of observer bias

Question 8

To produce a structured record of what a researcher sees/hears, they need to break the target behaviour into what?

Answer 8

A set of behavioural categories

Question 9

What do target behaviours need to be?

Answer 9

Precisely defined and made observable and measurable
EG: target behaviours of ‘affection’ can be broken down into observational categories such as hugging, kissing, smiling, holding hands

Question 10

Before observation begins, the researcher needs to ensure that all ways the target behaviour may occur are written on their behavioural checklist. Give an example of how this can be written

Answer 10

A tally showing behaviour and frequency of that behaviour

Question 11

Give a strength of behavioural categories

Answer 11

Make data collection more structured and objective

Ensures clarity and unambiguous

Question 12

Give a limitation of behavioural categories

Answer 12

There must not be a ‘dustbin category’ where there are lots of different behavioural put into
Categories should be exclusive and not overlap EG: hard to distinguish between ‘smiling’ and ‘grinning’