Observational methods

Structured/Unstructed
1. Structured: An observer records a specified range of behaviours in pre-defined, pre-decided catergories
2. Unstructured: Observer records non-specified, wide range of behaviours, anything that seems relevant
Naturalistic/Controlled
1. Naturalistic: Behaviours observed in normal environment for the participants without interference from the researcher (has high ecological validity)
2. Controlled: Behaviours recorded by the researcher in situations with some manipulation (e.g. take there somewhere that is not their natural environment
Covert/Overt
1. Covert: Participants are unaware they are being watched
2. Overt: Researcher is known to participants. They know they are being observed
Participant/Non-participant
1. Participant: The observer participates and joins in with the group
2. Non-participant The observer watches but does not join in. E.g. sits at the back of the room
Event/Time sampling
1. Event sampling: Uses a checklist of possible activities which are tallied as they occur
2. Time sampling: Uses a limited list of possible activities. The occurance of these activities is recorded in relation to short specified time intervals

Resource summary

	Created by Matthew Keane about 9 years ago