What are observational methods in research?
Research where the experimenter does not manipulate variables or assign participants to conditions; behaviour is simply observed and recorded.
What are observational methods also called?
Non-experimental or unobtrusive research.
Why are observational methods sometimes used in psychology?
Because manipulating variables may be unethical or impossible, especially with long-lasting effects.
What is observation as a technique?
Observation used within an experiment to measure the dependent variable (DV).
Example of observation used as a technique?
Studies such as Milgram’s obedience study and Bandura’s social learning experiment.
What is observation as an overall design?
A non-experimental study where researchers observe and record behaviour without trying to change it.
What is one benefit of observational design?
It improves external validity by observing behaviour in more natural situations.
What is another benefit of observational design?
It minimises demand characteristics.
What is an advantage of observational methods?
They provide immediate data on real behaviour rather than self-reports.
What behaviour is observational research useful for studying?
Behaviour that cannot easily be studied experimentally (e.g., playground aggression or infant behaviour).
What is a disadvantage of observational methods?
Reactivity effects – people may change behaviour when they know they are being observed.
Another disadvantage of observational methods?
They can be very time consuming
Why can observational studies not show cause and effect?
Because they are non-experimental and lack manipulation of variables.
What is naturalistic observation?
Observing participants in their natural environment with minimal disturbance.
What is laboratory observation?
Observing participants in a controlled laboratory setting.
What is participant observation?
When the researcher joins the group being studied to observe behaviour.
What is a limitation of participant observation?
Ethical issues and researcher objectivity problems.
What is non-participant observation?
Observing behaviour from a distance without joining the group.
What is structured (systematic) observation?
Observation where researchers pre-define behaviour categories and record them systematically.
What must be done before structured observation begins?
Define behaviour categories and train observers in the coding system.
Why are observers trained in structured observation?
To achieve high agreement between observers.
What devices may be used to record behaviour in structured observation?
Video recording, still cameras, audio recording, or written notes.
What is event coding?
Recording how many times a behaviour occurs.
What is interval coding?
Recording behaviour during specific time periods.
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Research Design35
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Paired Samples T Test30
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Independent T Test27
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Mann Whitney & Non Parametric Tests24
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Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test15
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Repeated Measures ANOVA30
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Critical Thinking29
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Kruskal Wallis30
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Friedmans ANOVA26
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Observational methods42
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Qualitative Research40
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Qualitative data in practise (thematic analysis)3
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Choosing the correct statistical test13
