Research Methods Learning

Question 1

Observations can be both:

Answer 1

Quantitative data and qualitative data

Question 2

What are techniques researchers use to collect data from observations

Answer 2

Tally counts (writes down when and how many times certain behaviours occurred)

Observer narratives (the overseer may take notes during the session and then go back later and tr to collect data and discern behaviour patterns from these notes)

Audio or video recordings (depending on the type of behaviour being observed, the researchers might also decide to make actual audio or video taped recordings of each observation session)

Observations where everything is recorded

Question 3

What is event sampling

Answer 3

Observer records each event that meets a predetermined definition eg ticking a box every time someone scratches their head

Less chance of behaviour of interest being missed compared to time sampling
However if too many things happen at once then it may be difficult to record everything
Researcher must specify when one event ends and when one begins

Question 4

time sampling

Answer 4

Occurs when researcher decides on a time interval (5 seconds) and then records behaviour that is happening at that time

Efficient aND inexpensive and appropriate for infrequently occurring behaviours

However some behaviours can be missed and observations may not be representative
+ behaviour can be missed if time samples are limited in situations where there is a high concentration of individuals in a single setting

Question 5

Structured observation

Answer 5

Observer intervenes to cause an event to occur or set up a situation so that events can be more easily recorded than they would without intervention

Allows researchers to record behaviours that may be difficult to observe using naturalistic observation
The focus of the observations has been determined beforehand

Different levels of structure:
Highly structured : the researcher has decided in a precise and exclusive way the observation categories in advance

Semi structured: agenda of what will be observed but how the collecting of the data is done. Is less systematic or predetermined way

Question 6

Evaluate structured observation

Answer 6

• usually generates quantitative data usually in the form of a chart and is easier to analyse objectively
• researchers have better control over extraneous variables compared to a naturalistic observation which increases internal validity
• this is easier to replicate than unstructured to test for reliability
• lacks ecological validity because situation could be artificially created, so does not reflect real life behaviour and participants might exhibit demand characteristics
• researcher bias (they see what they want to see and not necessarily what actually happens)

Question 7

Naturalistic observation

Answer 7

Observing subjects in their natural environment (utilised in situations where conducting lab research is unrealistic, cost prohibitive or would affect the subjects behaviour)
No attempts at intervention on the part of the researcher

Question 8

Evaluation of naturalistic observation

Answer 8

• produces more natural behaviour compared to artificial situation of a lab (valid behaviour)
• allows researchers to study things that cannot be manipulated in a lab due to ethical concerns
• may be time consuming because it takes a lot of observation sessions
• behaviour is perceived subjectively, so it’s possible that different observers notice different things or draw different conclusions

Question 9

Covert observation

Answer 9

The identity of the researcher, nature of research project and the fact that the participants ar e being observed is concealed from those who are being studied are concealed from those being studied

Question 10

Evaluation of covert observation

Answer 10

• participants are being observed so reduced demand characteristics
• allows for the study of behaviour that may be otherwise difficult to study
• ethical issues- not given consent
• deception violates the trust of the ppts involved
• practical issues as it may be hard to record the behaviour without participants noticing resulting in an incomplete / not valid data set

Question 11

Overt observation

Answer 11

Researcher is open about their intentions in the field, all members of social group are aware of what is happening

Question 12

Evaluate overt observation

Answer 12

• allows researcher to be honest with the participants and avoiding problematic ethical issues
• prevents researcher from becoming over-familiar w participants so unable to observe objectively
• could result in demand characteristics

Question 13

Participant observation

Answer 13

Observer participates in ongoing activities and records observations eg working in a mental hospital or passing as a patient

Question 14

Evaluation of participant observation

Answer 14

• researcher gets insider viewpoint and information would be more rich and valid than that obtained through systematic observation
• interpreted through single observes eyes so more likely to be experimenter bias
• as the observer is a participant, it is easier to influence other people’s behaviour thereby raising the problem of reactivity
• it is difficult t replicate this sort of observation
• ethical issues if ppts are deceived

Question 15

Non participant observation

Answer 15

Does not directly participate in the activities being observed, more distant and separate role

Question 16

Evaluation of non participant observation

Answer 16

• not involved so more likely to be objective
• much easier to record data than ppt observation
• researcher doesnt interfere so no contaminating of the data
• ppts may act differently if they know they are observed but issues with consent and deception if ppts are not informed