Observations

Observations

1. Researchers Role.

   • Participant
     • The researcher takes part in the action, joining in with those being observed.
     • Allows for close observation and enables the observer to note the precise context in which the behaviour is taking place, seeing what events lead up to a certain action.
     • The observer becomes unable to make objective scientific recordings when he becomes too involved in the groups activity.
     • The presence and actions of te observer will change the course of events, making results less valid.
   • Non-participant
     • Observer avoids involvement, not taking part in the action, instead avoids involvement and watches from a distance.
     • The observer can remain objective.
     • The observations cannot be contextualised in the same way as in participant observation; will not know what events lead up to an action.

2. Data Recording Techniques

   • Continuous Recording
     • All instances of target behaviour are recorded. This method is suitable for behaviours that occur in an instant, such as aggressive acts or greetings.
   • Time Sampling
     • The observation time is split up into time intervals. At each interval the observer notes the behaviour that is taking place. This is good for behaviours that go on for a long time, such as play.
   • Category System
     • Inter-observer Reliability
       • They agree on what constitutes the categories then observe the behaviour separately before comparing recordings, If they are the same or similar you have found inter-observer reliability.
     • Observer Bias
       • Due to researchers expectations, their expectations bend how they interpret data.

3. Observers Presence

   • Covert
     • The observers presence is not obvious or apparent to those being observed.
     • Peoples behaviour will be more natural. Prevents the observer effect and increases reliability.
     • Unethical as they don't know they're being watched.
   • Overt
     • The observers presence is obvious to those being observed.
     • Behaviours observed are less likely to be natural as they know they are being watched.
     • Is more ethical and 'upfront'.

4. Settings

   • Natural
     • Participants are observed in a setting where the target behaviour occurs naturally.
     • No control over extraneous variables, so it is hard to replicate.
     • High validity because the behaviour is real behaviour in a real setting.
   • Lab
     • Controlled observations are carried out in fully controlled laboratory conditions, often takes place in special viewing rooms where the observers can see into the room through one-way glass without disturbing the action.
     • Control of extraneous variables means the experiment can be replicated.
     • Participants behaviour is less likely to reflect the way they would behave in real life so the study could be said to lack reliability.

5. Overall Evaluation

   • Strengths
     • Natural observations produce data that have high ecological validity.
     • Observations are the most sensible way to study social and group behaviours.
     • Observational studies tend to provide a view of all of a persons behaviour rather than those narrowly defined and tested in experimental studies.
   • Limitations
     • Well-organised observations are difficult and time-consuming, and it is usually not possible to observe large numbers of people.
     • Where there is only a single observer observer bias may occur.
     • If people know they are being observed they may behave differently.
     • Unless the observation involves some manipulation of extraneous variables we cannot draw conclusions about the cause of the behaviour. We can only infer causation.
     • Observations are often conducted without the knowlege of those being observed. This means they are not asked for their consent and are not given the right to withdraw. Another ethical issue is privacy, observations should only take place in public places where people might normally expect to be observed by others.