1. Observations in Psychology
For Prep -You were asked to work through a power point about observation. You were also required to watch a film about Charlie learning to count.
You were asked to complete an unstructured observation based on the video and bring it to class.

2. Lesson Aims To reflect on your experience of ‘flipped learning’
To experience the differences between structured and unstructured observations.
To evaluate structured and unstructured observations.
To design an observation check list.
To complete a structured observation using an observation check list.
To practice using specific terminology – reliability, objectivity, subjectivity, quantitative and qualitative data, time sampling and event sampling.

3. Starter Activity You have 6 minutes to complete the grid
Should be easy
Provided you have completed your prep

4. The observation Technique
When we carry out an observation we can either do a structured observation or an unstructured observation.
Carrying out an unstructured observation
Some psychologists say that children learn best through having behaviour modelled to them, through direct support and reinforcement and through parents giving prompts and tips while the child is carrying out a task.
Task
Watch the video and make observations on:
The child’s behaviour
The reinforcement given
The prompts that are provided
Any other interesting features you notice
See work sheet on the blog

5. In groups of 4
Complete the sections on the first page of your work sheet. Did you collect quantitative or qualitative data? What were the difficulties with doing the unstructured observation? What do you notice about each others observations? How could you redesign the observation to improve its reliability and objectivity? Be prepared to feed back to the rest of the class  You have 6 minutes 

6. Remember Structured observations
Are observations with a clearly defined system for recording behaviour

7. Observation Check List Event Sample
Mother’s behaviour
Frequency
Positive feedback
Good, yes, great, well-done etc. 
Giving Instruction
Asking a question
Making a correction

8. Could we use the check list with another Mother?
Is it a reliable measuring device?
Is it a valid way of measuring the mother’s behaviour?