Alternative transcript:

those being observed are aware of the fact that their behaviour is being recorded. O The researcher could choose to participate in the observed activity (overt-participant observation) or might play no part and simply observe (over non-participant observation). Weaknesses: - The Hawthorne effect may take place where the individuals being observed alter their behaviour In response to their awareness. - The sample/behaviour collected may be unrepresentative -People can try to present themselves in a more favourable COVERT OBSERVATION O Known as undisclosed observation as the participants don't know that their behaviour is being observed. O Laud Humphrey's study - "The Tearoom Trade" included the observation of men engaging in sexual behaviour in public toilets. Strengths: o Higher validity as participants are less likely to display demand characteristics. O Can be used where people might not be prepared to co-operate with the researcher eg. gangs or mafia. Weaknesses: There are ethical issues as participants are unable to consent on whether they wish to take part or not. It can be difficult to remain undetected. Replication is difficult as there are no standardised procedures. O O O PARTICIPANT DESIGN O The process of joining a group of participants to gain an understanding of their behaviour, by taking part in the observed activities. Strengths: O Allows researcher to gain a better insight through personal experience. o High validity as the study is rich in qualitative data of people's behaviour. More flexible as researcher can follow up different directions if something O interesting occurs. o There is access to more suspicious groups like gangs as trust can be gained. Weaknesses: o Participating in illegal and immoral activities for research can be seen as unethical. O Can be time consuming, demanding, and stressful. o Risk of getting to involved and recording bias data. NON-PARTICIPANT DESIGN o Observing participants without actively participating. O For example OFSTED inspections in lesson. Strengths: O O Allows for a more objective view of what is occurring. More ethical if done overtly, as participants know that they're being observed. Researcher is more open minded and less likely to produce bias data. Weaknesses: O Can lead to the Hawthorne effect. o May be hard to gain accurate results as watching from a distance. Event Sampling - specific behaviours are recorded every time they occur. Time Sampling- the behaviour is recorded at fixed intervals. Reliability in Observations: Inter-rater reliability: having two or more observers and if they obtain similar results then this indicates good reliability. Improving reliability: ● Use clearly defined and operationalised coding systems. Train observers with practice observations. Check for inter-rater reliability by correlating one observer's data with that of another. Coding Systems: This is how observations produce data. ● Tally counts- the observer writes down when and how many times a certain behaviour occurred. Observer narratives- the researcher takes notes during the sessions and then goes back to try and collect data and look for behaviour patterns from the notes. Continuous- where the observer records everything in detail. Audio or video recordings- to reference back and study in the future. ●