Research Methods - Observations

Question 1

What are Observations in research?

Answer 1

Researchers watch and record behaviours they are interested in studying

Observations can be a standalone research method or used within experiments to measure a dependent variable.

Question 2

Why is it important to operationalise behaviours in observations?

Answer 2

To ensure researchers focus on what they aim to study

Operationalisation helps in clearly identifying the behaviours of interest.

Question 3

What are the two types of observations?

Answer 3

• Structured observations
• Unstructured observations

Question 4

In structured observations, what tool does the researcher use?

Answer 4

A predetermined behaviour coding sheet with operationalised behaviour categories relevant to the study.

Question 5

In unstructured observations, how does the researcher record behaviours?

Answer 5

Records all instances of behaviours they feel are relevant

There is no predetermined coding sheet in unstructured observations.

Question 6

Wha are the types of observation?

Answer 6

• Structured
• Unstructured
• Naturalistic
• Controlled

Question 8

How can structured observations be used in a study?

Answer 8

Researcher uses a predetermined behaviour coding sheet with operationalised behaviour categories

Question 9

How can unstructured observations be used in a study?

Answer 9

Researcher records all instances of behaviours that they feel are relevant

Question 10

What is naturalistic observation?

Answer 10

Takes place in a real-world setting or where the target behaviour would usually occur.

Question 11

What is controlled observation?

Answer 11

Takes place in an artificial situation

Question 12

What is a strength of naturalistic observations?

Answer 12

P
High in ecological validity

E
Takes place in a real-world setting

E
Behaviour is more likely to be natural and demand characteristics less likely to occur -> validity increase

Question 13

What are the disadvantages for naturalistic observations?

Answer 13

P
Ethical issues may arise

E
Participants studied in natural environment – theremay be invasion of privacy

E
Participants should only be studied in environments where they know the are likely to be observed

P
Low in reliability

E
Takes place in a natural environment

E
Hard to replicate -> low in reliability