OBSERVATIONAL
METHODS
FIELD METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
learning objectives
✓ Differentiate between structured and unstructured
observation.
✓ Learn to create and use observation checklists.
✓ Understand coding techniques and apply them to
observational data.
what is a
observational
research?
Observational research involves
systematically watching and
recording behavior in natural or
controlled settings without
manipulating variables.
TYPES
Of Observational Designs
Observational Observational
Technique Design
Used within Standalone study
experiments to record focused solely on
dependent variables. observing behavior.
Structured Unstructured
Observation vs Observation
✓ Uses pre-defined ✓ More open-ended,
categories to allowing researchers
consistently record to record any
specific behaviors observed behaviors
across observations. without specific
✓ Ensures reliability and categories.
easy data ✓ Captures a broader
comparison but may range of behaviors
miss unexpected but can be harder to
behaviors analyze
systematically.
Example: Observing children’s Example: Observing children’s
aggressive behaviors in a aggressive behaviors in a
playground, using a checklist playground, using a checklist
with categories like “hitting,” with categories like “hitting,”
“pushing,” and “yelling.” “pushing,” and “yelling.”
what is an
observational
checklist?
An observation checklist is a
structured tool listing specific
behaviors or actions the
researcher aims to observe and
record.
STEPS
To Create an Observation Checklist
Define Objectives: Clearly outline the purpose of the
observation (e.g., assessing student engagement).
Identify Key Behaviors: Determine which behaviors
are relevant to the study objective (e.g., “raising
CATEGORICAL
hands,” “answering questions”).
VARIABLE (DV)
Operationalize Behaviors: Provide clear definitions to avoid
ambiguity (e.g., “participating” might be defined as
“speaking up at least once during a class”).
Pilot Test the Checklist: Test it in a similar setting to
check if categories are clear and comprehensive.
EXAMPLE
Of Observational Checklist
how to code
observational
data?
Coding is the process of
categorizing observed
behaviors to quantify them
systematically.
TYPES
Of Coding
Pre-Defined Emergent
Coding Coding
Using established Developing
categories for specific categories based on
behaviors (e.g., patterns observed
“smiling,” “nodding”). during data
collection, suitable for
unstructured
observations.
SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
For Observation
Event Interval
Sampling Sampling
Recording each Observing and
instance of a specific recording behaviors
behavior. at predetermined
intervals (e.g., every 5
Example: Observing
minutes).
instances of “helping
behavior” at a social event.
Example: Recording
classroom interactions at
5-minute intervals to
assess engagement levels.
TECHNIQUES
For Recording Observational Data
Manual Visual Audio
Coding Recording Recording
Using a checklist with Video recording Useful for verbal
pre-defined allows for detailed interactions, enabling
behaviors, observers analysis and coding coding of speech
mark each behavior after observation. patterns, tone, or
as it occurs. content.
Controlled Naturalistic
Observation vs Observation
✓ Conducted in ✓ Occurs in natural
structured environments, with
environments where minimal researcher
certain variables are interference.
controlled.
Example: Observing group Example: Observing social
behavior in a lab setting interactions in a café without
designed to simulate a team the participants’ knowledge.
environment.
what is
observational
bias?
Observer Bias is the observer’s
expectations or
preconceptions can
unintentionally influence what
they record.
STRATEGIES
To Reduce Bias
✓ Training observers on using the
checklist and coding criteria
consistently.
✓ Using multiple observers and
calculating Inter-Observer Reliability to
ensure consistency.
OBSERVATIONAL
METHODS
FIELD METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
