The document discusses the observational method of research. It defines different types of observational studies such as participant observations, non-participant observations, disclosed observations, and undisclosed observations. It also discusses structured observations using coding schemes and unstructured observations. The document notes some challenges with observational studies, such as issues with objectivity for participant observations and ethics concerns for undisclosed observations. It emphasizes the importance of reliability and validity in observational research.

1. True or False?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Observational studies are
investigations where the
researcher manipulates an IV.
All types of research involve
some element of observation
Observational studies always
have demand characteristics
Validity refers to whether a
study measures or examines
what it claims to measure or
examine.
An undisclosed observation (or
covert) is a type of
observational study whereby
the participants are not fully
aware that they are being
studied
6.
A structured observation occurs
when the researchers control
some variables.
7. A coding scheme generally
provides qualitative data
8. A participant observation does
have a problem that the
observer may lose some
objectivity.
9. A controlled observation occurs
when the researchers control
some variables.
10. Observational studies tend to
be high in ecological validity.

2. Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson you …
• Must be able to describe (AO1) the
observational method and its components.
• Should be able to evaluate the observational
method.
Pg 6-8

3. Observation
• Participant Observations
Objectivity?
– Take part in what you’re observing
• Non-Participant Observations
– Just observe – no interaction
• Disclosed (overt) Observations
– Participants aware of observer
Observer effect
Act differently
• Undisclosed (covert) Observations
– Participants unaware of observer
Ethics!

4. Observation
• Structured Observation
Event Sampling
– Coding scheme is used to record behaviour
– Quantitative data collected
• Unstructured Observation
Time Sampling
– Researchers just record what’s going on
– Qualitative data collected (usually)
• Controlled Observations
– Researchers manipulate some variables

5. Observation - Sampling
Event Sampling
Time Sampling
• Coding Scheme
• Researcher decides
on a time and then
• Researcher records
records what is
an event every time it
occurring a at that
happens.
time
• If too many things
happen at once it may • Some behaviours will
be missed therefore
be difficult to record
the observation may
everything.
not be representative.

6. Observation
Reliability
Validity
• Difficult to replicate
observation –
confounding variables.
• Check consistency within
observations with interrater reliability (≥ 0.8)
• Improve reliability by
using good coding
scheme.
• If participants know = low
validity
• Observer bias = low
validity
• Improve by using wider
categories or single-blind
technique

7. BPS Ethical Concepts (1990)
• Informed consent
of participant
• Right to withdraw
• Debriefing
• Deception
• Observation
• Protection of
participants
• Colleagues
• Confidentiality
• Competence
When conducting research psychologists should
adhere to these.

8. • C AN
• DO
• CAN’T
• DO
• W ITH
• PARTICIPANTS

9. • C ONSENT
• DECEPTION
• COMPETENCE
• DEBRIEFING
• W ITHDRAWAL
• PROTECTION

12. What are they thinking?

13. Validity
Reliability
Check
Conduct an
survey
Inter-rater
reliability
Improve
Covert
observations
Agreed coding
scheme

14. Key Terms - Observation
•
•
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•
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•
•
•
Ecological Validity
Non-participant Obs.
Participant Obs.
Undisclosed (covert)
Disclosed (overt)
Structured
Unstructured
Coding Scheme
Controlled Observation
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Event Sampling
Time Sampling
Reliability
Inter-rater Reliability
Validity
Categories
Ethics
Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data
Coding Scheme

15. • Must be able to describe (AO1) the observational
method and its components.
• Should be able to evaluate the observational
method.