Describe and evaluate a small field observation of communication in a busy library. A researcher plans to compare how often people use whispers, hand gestur...
Question 1 Report
Describe and evaluate a small field observation of communication in a busy library. A researcher plans to compare how often people use whispers, hand gestures and written notes at tables labelled "silent" and "group work".
(a) Outline a suitable behavioural category system for this observation. [3]
(b) Explain two ways the researcher could reduce observer bias. [4]
(c) Evaluate one strength and one weakness of conducting this study in a library rather than in a psychology laboratory. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Any three: define whisper as audible quiet speech [1]; define gesture as a visible hand/head movement directed at another person [1]; define written-note communication as passing/showing a written message [1] (b) Any two ways explained: use operational definitions so observers classify behaviour consistently [1]; train observers with practice clips [1]; use two independent observers and calculate agreement [1]; use video where permission is obtained so records can be checked [1] (c) Strength: behaviour is more natural, giving higher ecological validity [1]; weakness: noise, group size and purpose of visit are difficult to control, reducing cause-and-effect conclusions [1]
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