Observational MethodsChapter 4 Next time: Procedure Chapter 5 Rosenthal

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Observational MethodsChapter 4Next time
Procedure Chapter 5 Rosenthal
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Molecular-Molar
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Molecular observational system System for
observing behavior in which the categories are
relatively fine-grained and specific Molar
observational system System for observing
behavior in which the categories are relatively
global and interpretive
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Time sampling Form of observational measurement
in which the behaviors of interest are recorded
during preselected (usually brief) units of time

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Event sampling Form of observational
measurement in which the observer begins
recording when the behavior of interest occurs
and continues recording for the duration of the
behavior
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ReliabilityInterobserver Agreement
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Kappa Index O 1 Y
N Y .80 .05 O 2
N .05 .10
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O 1 Y N
Y .80 .05 O 2 N .05
.10 Kappa (po-pc/(1-pc) .90 - .74/1
- .74 .62
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Possible Problems in Observational Research

• (if naturalistic) Low frequency of behavior
• (if naturalistic) Lack of comparability across
  participants

• Low Reliability
• Observer bias
• Observer influence (Reactivity)
• Observer drift and Consensual drift
  (Instrumentation)

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Observer bias (p. 82 )Observer influence (p.
82)Observer drift (p. 84)Consensual drift (p.
84)