RESEARCH METHODS: Observational design

Question 1

What is unstructured observation?
(not in spec but it is good to know)

Answer 1

When the observer records everything they see. Unstructured observations are more appropriate for smaller scale observations involving a smaller number of participants. It produces qualitative data that is rich in detail and more difficult to analyse.

Question 2

What are the issues of unstructured observation?
(not in spec but its good to know)

Answer 2

• behaviour is largely unpredictable
• observer bias
  -behaviour is recorded are likely to be those that are the most eye-catching or visible, but these might not be the most important to the researcher.

Question 3

what is structured observation?
(not in spec but its good to know)

Answer 3

When target behaviours are simplified and becomes the main focus of the investigation using behavioural categories. It enables the researcher to quantify that observations.
produces quantitative data which is easier to analyse.

Question 4

What are behavioural categories?

Answer 4

When a target behaviour is broken up into components that are observable and measurable.

Question 5

what is in the behaviour checklist?

Answer 5

1)must be objective
2) cover all possible behaviours
3) categories must be exclusive and shouldn’t overlap

Question 6

What is continuous recording? (SAMPLING METHOD)

Answer 6

Record every instance of the behaviour you see in as much detail as possible. Useful for behaviours that do not happen to very often. Key feature of unstructured observation.

Question 7

What is time sampling?

Answer 7

The researcher records the behaviour in a fixed timeframe. For example observation for a minute, every two minutes.

• reduces the number of observations that have to be made. However, the occasions when behaviour is sampled may be unrepresentative of the observation as a whole.

Question 8

What is event sampling?

Answer 8

A target behaviour or event is first established that the researcher records this event every time it occurs.

-event sampling is useful when the target behaviour or event happens infrequently and could be missed if time sampling is used.

Question 9

What problems may occur if there is only one observer/recorder?

Answer 9

OBSERVER BIAS- the observer allows his own viewpoint affect or interpret what he records and may focus on particular behaviour.

LACK OF VALID DATA-the observer may miss valid behaviour whilst concentrating on one type of behaviour.

Question 10

How can the problems of observer bias and lack of valid data be solved?

Answer 10

• have more than one observer
• ensure they are trained in the coding system
• ensure they have had practice and agree on behaviours
• conduct a pilot study
• two or more observers agree that it is reliable (inter rater/observer reliability)

Question 11

Evaluate structured and unstructured observation

Answer 11

STRUCTURED OBSERVATION:
+ produces quantitive data which means that analysing and comparing their behaviour observed between participants is more straightforward.
-there is less richness and depth of detail in data collected.
UNSTRUCTURED OBSERVATION:
+ richness and depth of detail in the data collected
- produces qualitative data which is more difficult to record and analyse

Question 12

Evaluate sampling methods

Answer 12

+ event sampling is useful when the target behaviour or event happens quite infrequently and could be missed if time sampling was used
-if the specified event is too complex, the observer may overlook important details if using event sampling.

+ Time sampling is effective in reducing the number of observations that have to be made
-Time sampling may be unrepresentative of the observation as a whole