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Observational Methods

Observational Methods. Research Methods. Observation Methods. Observational Methods Describe behavior Can be used in many different designs (e.g., experimental, correlational, descriptive) Involves systematic observation Ecological Validity – does it generalize to the real world.

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Observational Methods

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  1. Observational Methods Research Methods

  2. Observation Methods • Observational Methods • Describe behavior • Can be used in many different designs (e.g., experimental, correlational, descriptive) • Involves systematic observation • Ecological Validity – does it generalize to the real world

  3. Observational Method • Behavioral categories • Categories of behaviors to be observed • Clear operational definitions • Prior research & preliminary observations

  4. Examples of basic recording sheets Sample Descriptive Coding Form.

  5. Observational Method Quantifying Observations Frequency • Behavior count during fixed time • Duration • Time engaged in behavior during fixed time • Intervals • Divide observation into intervals, record whether or not behavior occurs during each interval

  6. Examples of basic recording sheets Sample Descriptive Coding Form.

  7. Examples of basic recording sheets Sample Checklist for Coding Child Behavior.

  8. Observational Method Narrative records Video/audio-recording • Pick up on missed behaviors • Multiple observers watch same event • Might be less disruptive Sampling Observations • Time • Observe-record-observe-record • Event • Observe one behavior • Shift behavior (behavior1-behavior2-behavior3) • Individual • Shift individuals

  9. Multiple Observers • Interrater reliability • Agreement between observers • Evaluating interrater reliability • Percent agreement total # of agreements X 100 total # of observations

  10. Multiple Observers • Evaluating interrater reliability • Pearson’s r (correlation coefficient) • +/- 1.00 • Note: Scores could be correlated, but very different Observer 1 Observer 2 1 3 2 5 3 6 2 3

  11. Observational Method • Undisguised (open/overt) observations • Presence of researcher is known • Nonparticipant observations • Observe, don’t get involved • Participant observations • Observe and participate • Disguised (covert) observations • Presence of researcher is unknown or minimized • Nonparticipant or Participant • Issues: Reactivity and Ethics

  12. Observational Methods • Reactivity issues • Can be reduced • Remain hidden • Habituation • Indirect measures (unobtrusive) • Advantages • Usually higher external validity (higher ecological validity) • Can examine behaviors that can’t be manipulated • Disadvantages • No causal statements (unless the observation is the DV in an experiment) • Time consuming & expensive • No guarantee that behavior will occur

  13. Example • Leo (1996) interested in studying police interrogation practices. Spent 9 months observing122 interrogations involving 45 different detectives. In addition, observed 60 videotaped interrogations. • Reactivity • Representativeness/generalizability • Qualitative & quantitative

  14. Mini-Review • Observational Methods • Behavioral categories • Operational definitions • Quantifying Observations • Frequency, duration, intervals • Record all observations or sampling observations • Sampling: Time, event, individual • Role of the researcher • Undisguised or Disguised • Nonparticipant or Participant Observer

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