Understanding Observation Techniques in Research

Jan 7, 2025

Research Methods Tutorial: Observations

Overview

  • Focus on covert and overt observations.
  • Observation sampling methods: time sampling and event sampling.
  • Types of observations: naturalistic, controlled, and participant observation.
  • Assessing and improving the reliability of observations.

Covert vs. Overt Observations

  • Covert Observation

    • Observing individuals without their knowledge.
    • High validity as behavior is natural and unaltered.
    • Ethical concerns due to lack of consent.

  • Overt Observation

    • Participants are aware of being observed.
    • More ethical with participant consent.
    • Lower validity due to potential changes in participant behavior.

Observation Sampling Methods

  • Event Sampling

    • Counting each occurrence of a specified behavior.
    • Useful for occasional behaviors.
    • Can miss behaviors if many occur simultaneously.

  • Time Sampling

    • Observations recorded at specific time intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds).
    • Reduces data volume but may miss non-representative behaviors between intervals.

Types of Observations

  • Naturalistic Observation

    • Observing behavior in the participant’s natural environment.
    • High ecological validity, especially if covert.
    • Limited control over extraneous variables.

  • Controlled Observation

    • Observing behavior in a controlled, often laboratory, setting.
    • High control and replicability.
    • Potential demand characteristics if participants know they're observed.

  • Participant Observation

    • Researcher becomes part of the group being observed.
    • High ecological validity if covert.
    • Offers detailed insights but difficult to replicate.

Reliability of Observations

  • Ensuring consistency in observations by multiple observers.
  • Inter-Rater Reliability
    • Agreement among observers on recorded behaviors.
    • Calculated by the ratio of agreed observations to total observations.
    • High reliability is above 0.80.

Improving Reliability in Observations

  • Clearly define and operationalize behavioral categories.
  • Train observers in observational techniques.
  • Pilot studies to refine checklists and categories.

This concludes the tutorial on observations. Remember the key differences and methodologies that can enhance the validity and reliability of your observational studies.