Research methods: Observations

Research methods: Observations

1. Unstructured

   • write down everything they see
   • rich in detail
   • appropriate when observations small and involve few Ps
   • produces qualitative data
     • harder to record and analyse
   • greater risk of observer bias
     • researcher may only record behaviours that may catch their eye
       • not be most important or usful
   • benefits from more richness and depth of detail

2. Structured

   • simplify the target behaviours that will become the main focus of the investigation
   • specific acts (verbal or physical) that make up the target behaviour would need to be clearly defined
   • allow researchers to quantify observations using a predetermined list of behaviours and sampling methods
   • involve use of behavioural categories make recording of data easier and more systematic
     • data likely to be numerical
       • analysing and comparing behaviour of Ps more straightforward
   • not rich in detail

3. Behavioural categories

   • structured record of what researcher sees
     • break target behaviour up into a set of behaviour categories
       • target behaviours to be studied should be precisely defined and made observable and measurable
   • before observation - researcher should ensure that they have included all the ways in which the target behaviour may occur within their behavioural check list
   • makes data collection more structured and objective
     • Categories must be as clear and unambiguous as possible
       • must be observable, measurable and self-evident
   • all possible forms of the target behaviour need to included in the check list
     • shouldn't be a dust-bin category
       • many different behaviours are deposited here
   • categories should be exclusive and not overlap

4. Sampling methods

   • Event sampling
     • involves counting the number of times a particular behaviour occurs in a target individual or group
     • useful when target behaviour or event happens quite infrequently
       • could be missed if time sampling was used
     • if specified event is too complex, observer may overlook important details
   • Time sampling
     • involves recording behaviour within a pre-established time frame e.g. every 30 seconds
     • effective in reducing number of observations that have to be made
     • instances when behaviour is sampled might be unrepresentative of the observation as a whole

5. Inter-observer reliablity

   • single observers may miss important details or only notice events that confirm their theory - bias
   • to make data recording more objective and unbiased - need two observers
     • observers need to be consistent in their judgements
       • any data they record is the same or very similar
   • familiarise themselves with behavioural categories
     • observe the same behaviour at the same time
       • compare data they have recorded and discuss any differences in interpretations
         • should always analyse data from study. Inter-observer reliability is calculated by correlating each pair of observations