observational methods

extraneous variable

variable which is not being investigated but has potential to affect outcome of research

controlled variable

variable which is not being investigated but affects the outcomes of research

reliability

Consistency of a research study

observational studies

researcher watches/listens to participants engaging in whatever behaviour is being studied.

naturalistic observations

Take place in the setting that behaviour normally occurs

controlled observations

some variables in the environment are controlled by the researcher  

covert observations

participants are unaware they are being observed

overt observation

participants are aware that they are being observed

participant observations

researcher becomes part of the group they are observing

non participant observation

the observer remains separate from the group being studied  

time sampling

observer records behaviours in given time frame

event sampling

count is kept of number of times certain behaviour is done

sampling

method used to select participants

structured observations

researcher used various systems to organise observations

unstructured observations

researcher records all relevant behaviour but with no system

pilot studies

small scale trial run to identify problems

behavioural categories

dividing a target behaviour into a subset of specific behaviours

correlation

systematic association between 2 continuous variables

co - variables

variables measured in a correlation study

strength of correlation

allows researchers to identify a link

limits of correlation

only shows how not why - can lead to misinterpretation