Observational Techniques

Question 1

what are the 3 ways we can collect data

Answer 1

• observation
• experiments
• self-report

Question 2

what are non-experimental methods

Answer 2

• e.g. observations
• no manipulation variables, no IV/DV = therefore aren’t classed as experiments
• simply observe and look for behaviour or patterns

Question 3

can we draw ‘cause and effect’ relationships from using non-experimental methods

Answer 3

no

Question 4

when could we use observations

Answer 4

• as a technique or a method
• done in the context of lab/field studies
• used to measure DV or gain additional data to add to main collection method

Question 5

what are the different sub-types of observations

Answer 5

• Naturalistic or controlled
• structured or unstructured
• participant or non-participant
• Overt or covert

Question 6

can you combine multiple observations?

Answer 6

• yes
• its possible to have a naturalistic, structured, non-participant, covert observation

Question 7

what is natural observation

Answer 7

behaviour is studied in a natural situation where everything has been left as it normally is

Question 8

what is controlled observation

Answer 8

some variables are controlled by the researcher, reducing the naturalness of the behaviour being studied

Question 9

what is a structured observation

Answer 9

uses systems to organise observations

Question 10

what is an unstructured observation

Answer 10

the researcher will record all relevant behaviour but has no system

Question 11

what is participant observation

Answer 11

the researcher participates in the activity under study

Question 12

what is non-participant observation

Answer 12

the researcher observes the activity without getting involved in it

Question 13

what is overt observation

Answer 13

the participants are aware that they’re being observed

Question 14

what is covert observation

Answer 14

the participants are unaware that they’re being observed

Question 15

what do we need to do before observing behaviour

Answer 15

• operationalise the behaviour being studied
• breaking it down into categories to create an observation schedule to record the behaviours (observational categories)

Question 16

what is event sampling

Answer 16

• counting the number of a certain behaviour (event) occurs in a target individual or individuals
• e.g. how much a person smiles in 10 mins

Question 17

what is time sampling

Answer 17

• recording behaviour in a given time frame
• e.g. every 10 mins

Question 18

How do we ensure observations are reliable

Answer 18

INTER-RATER RELIABILTY
- using more than one observer
- if they agree = it has inter-rater reliability

Question 19

what is the strengths to using observational techniques

Answer 19

• High ecological validity (if natural observation)
• produces rich data on the actual behaviour of people
• when they’re unaware that they’re being observed = less chance of demand characteristics
• can be used to generate hypotheses for future experimental research
• participants can’t lie because your not asking their opinions

Question 20

what is the weaknesses to using observational techniques

Answer 20

• lack of control over extraneous variables because there’s no manipulation
• difficult to establish cause & effect = because no variables get manipulated
• difficult to get high inter-observer reliability, unless they’re well trained (expensive)
• if observing without consent = ethical issues on consent
• can be subject to observer bias

Question 22

True or false? Non-participant observations are more objective

Answer 22

• true
• researcher not involved = unlikely to be biased

Question 23

True or false? Participant observations are less likely to miss behaviours

Answer 23

• True
• they’re involved in the study, so can notice it when it happens

Question 24

True or false? Participant observations are less likely to suffer from observer bias

Answer 24

• False
• Researcher could put their preconceived ideas forward to participants = change their behaviour

Question 25

True or false? Non-participant observation increase the likelihood of demand characteristics

Answer 25

- False - It’s participant observation that does

Question 26

True or false? Privacy and consent are ethical issue associated with covert observations

Answer 26

- True - they don’t know they’re being observed = can’t consent properly and might leak private info without knowledge

Question 27

True or false? Time sampling may mean the observer may miss behaviours

Answer 27

- True - Not constantly watching if focused on time

Question 28

True or false? Event sampling may reduce validity of the observation

Answer 28

- false - increase instead of reduce

Question 29

True or false? Covert observations leads to increased ecological validity

Answer 29

- true - as long as conditions are normal

Question 30

True or false? Overt observations can lead to participants changing their behaviour to be seen more favourably

Answer 30

- True - Demand characteristics = social desirability

Question 31

True or false? Participant observation can provide unique insights into behaviour

Answer 31

- true - first person feedback

Question 32

How can observer bias be reduced

Answer 32

- By using more than 1 observer - use double blind technique

Question 33

How can we increase the reliability of observations

Answer 33

- training observers in the use of a coding system - using more than 1 observer and checking their agreement - to establish inter-rather reliability