observations

Question 1

What is an observation and explain key features ?

Answer 1

Observations are a type of research method where researchers simply observe and record the behaviour of people in various situations.
Observations are usually non experimental as usually there is no manipulation of the IV .

Question 2

Evaluation points of an observation in general

Answer 2

Strengths - can see how participants actually behave rather than how they say they do ( self report ) so results are more likely to be ecologically valid
- less likely to show demand characteristics as they dont know the observer is there
- starting point for research as if researchers are unsure which variables to manipulate experimentally
- useful when there are ethical problems with manipulating variables
Weaknesses
- little or no control over extraneous variables so difficult to replicate to check reliability of results
- observer bias as observers have to interpret a participants thoughts and feelings and this may be subjective

Question 3

What is a naturalistic observation ?

Answer 3

One which takes place in a participants natural environment where nothing has been manipulated by the researcher

Question 4

What is a controlled observation ?

Answer 4

One which takes place in a laboratory or controlled room where certain variables can be manipulated

Question 5

What is an unstructured observation?

Answer 5

• observers observe and record participants behaviour by writing it all down during the observation period
• this generally covers qualitative data as it is in depth and descriptive

Question 6

Strengths of unstructured observation

Answer 6

Easier to gain insight and reasons of our behaviour as it is highly detailed
Useful starting points for research in cases where there is not enough data to construct coding schemes for predicted behaviours

Question 7

Limitations for unstructured observation

Answer 7

difficult to analyse and compare with other participants
May be affected by researcher bias so may reduce validity
Can be more subjective

Question 8

What is a structured observation ?

Answer 8

The observers observe and record participants behaviour by coding behaviour seen on a predetermined list known as a coding scheme

Question 9

Strengths of a structured observation

Answer 9

Easier to analyse as it is less subjective
Replication is easier to test inter rate reliability
Higher replicability as observers follow same categories
Less risk of observer bias

Question 10

Weaknesses of the structured observation

Answer 10

Not much depth of detail
Difficult to achieve high in observer reliability as filling predetermined lists is subjective

Question 11

What is time sampling?

Answer 11

Observers pick a time interval and only record behaviour which occurred off that time interval

Question 12

Strengths of time sampling

Answer 12

Easy to organise and record
Only have to pay attention to behaviours occurring during time interval so gives time to record data accurately
Reduces observer overload as you don’t watch continuously

Question 13

Limitations of time sampling

Answer 13

Important behaviour may happen between time and intervals and be missed so less likely to be representative of all behaviour

Question 14

What is event sampling?

Answer 14

When observers create a code in scheme of behaviour they expect to see and each behaviour on it is called an event

Question 15

Strengths of event sampling

Answer 15

Quick and efficient to record
Produces quantitive data which is objective so more valid
Captures all occurrences of behaviour

Question 16

Limitations of event sampling

Answer 16

Hard if many behaviours happen at once
If a behaviour occurs and it is not on the Conan scheme it cannot be recorded so results may not be a representative of all behaviour

Question 17

What are participant observations?

Answer 17

The researcher who is observing is part of the group that is being observed. This is done by deceiving participants and pretending to be part of their group. This is usually covert so the group does not know they are being observed as there are safety concerns or may lead to change your behaviour.

Question 18

Strengths of participants observations

Answer 18

More likely to be natural behaviours if they’re unaware they are being observed so more ecological valid
Better understanding of reasons for participants behaviour as qualitative data is collected

Question 19

Limitations of participant observations

Answer 19

Time consuming and difficult to achieve
Ethical issues as participants are unlikely to know they’re being observed so links with invasion of privacy
Observer bias if they have developed a relationship so may become subjective

Question 20

What are non-participant observations?

Answer 20

The researcher observers from a distance

Question 21

Strengths of non-participant observations

Answer 21

Researcher can be more objective as they are less likely to identify with the participants

Question 22

Limitations of participant observations

Answer 22

Observer bias for example, stereotypes so they may lose valuable insights

Question 23

What is a overt observation?

Answer 23

Participants are watched and recorded with them knowing

Question 24

Strengths and limitations of an overt observation

Answer 24

Strength - less ethical issues
Limitation - more chance of demand characteristics
Artificial behaviour so may act or natural therefore lacks ecological validity

Question 25

What is a covert observation?

Answer 25

The participants are unaware that their behaviour is being watched

Question 26

Strengths and limitations of a covert observation

Answer 26

Strength - less chance of demand characteristics Natural behaviour is more likely so high internal validity Limitation - ethical issues such as invasion of privacy and informed consent