Observational Design – Vocabulary List

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Structured Observation

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A type of observation where researchers use predefined categories to systematically record behaviour. Example: The researcher used a structured observation to record how many times students participated in class discussions.

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Unstructured Observation

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A type of observation where researchers record all behaviours without a predefined system. Example: In an unstructured observation, the psychologist took detailed notes on social interactions at a shopping mall.

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Behavioural Categories

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Predefined types of behaviour that researchers focus on when conducting an observation. Example: The psychologist created behavioural categories for aggression, including shouting, hitting, and pushing.

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Behavioural Checklist

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A list of specific behaviours that researchers look for and record during an observation. Example: The teacher used a behavioural checklist to track instances of student engagement during the lesson.

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Operationalization

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Defining behaviours in clear, measurable terms to ensure consistency in recording. Example: To ensure accuracy, the researcher operationalized 'helping behaviour' as 'offering assistance, holding a door open, or giving directions.'

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Continuous Recording

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A method where researchers record all behaviour continuously during an observation. Example: In a continuous recording method, the psychologist documented every interaction between the participants throughout the 30-minute session.

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Event Sampling

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A method where researchers record every occurrence of a specific behaviour. Example: Using event sampling, the researcher counted each time a child shared a toy with another child.

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Time Sampling

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A method where researchers record behaviours at specific time intervals. Example: The psychologist used time sampling to note the child's behaviour every 15 seconds during a play session.

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Inter-Observer Reliability

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The extent to which different observers produce similar results when recording the same behaviour. Example: The study ensured inter-observer reliability by training multiple researchers to use the same behavioural categories.

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Observer Bias

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When an observer’s expectations or beliefs influence how they record or interpret behaviour. Example: To reduce observer bias, researchers used objective definitions for each behavioural category.