STRUCTURED
OBSERVATION
Presenters: MA0C0101 魏以成 MA0C0104 林郁瑩
Structured observation

The hidden dangers of closed observation
1. Perspective 2. Design 3. Procedure 4. Interpretation

Standard observation schedules
Flanders Interaction Analysis Categories (FIAC)


Deciding whether to use structured observation
Working up a schedule
Observation schedule
Main research question
Subsidiary questions
Specific data needed
Coding scheme+ schedule

Descriptive system V.S. Category system

Rating scale

High-inference categories V.S.
Low-inference categories

Event sampling V.S. Interval sampling
Within category
Make sure the category is as clear as
possible
 Check that the category is related to
observation terms.
 Be as precise as possible.
 Consider the range of each category.

Among categories
Ensure that all definitions are clear
and exclusive.
 Check that there are no gaps in the
coverage of chosen behaviors.
 The schedule must be practicable.

Some practical problems
Observer effect
Expectancy effect
Observer drift
Central tendency
Thanks for your time