3.2.9—Observation practical
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2027
- Objective
- 3.2.9
- Level
- SL
Observation records behaviour in context, so design determines what it can show
Observation systematically records behaviour as it occurs. Naturalistic observation preserves context; controlled observation standardises the situation. Structured coding makes observations comparable but can miss unexpected meaning.
Define behaviours operationally, train observers and check inter-observer agreement. Reactivity, observer expectations, sampling time and ethical privacy limits affect validity; covert observation requires a strong justification and safeguards.
To study playground cooperation, code each helping episode, sample the same time windows and compare observers' classifications. The design can show frequency and context, but not automatically the private intention behind an action.
Seeing a behaviour does not prove its cause. Distinguish frequency, interpretation and inference, and report who was observed, when, and under what conditions.
To conduct the practical: define an observable research question; choose naturalistic or controlled, overt or covert, participant or non-participant design; operationalise mutually clear behaviour categories; choose event or time sampling; pilot the coding schedule; obtain consent or justify and safeguard any public observation; train observers and check agreement; record without identifying participants; then summarize patterns and report reactivity, privacy and causal limits.