Give some background information on your hypothetical observational study - describe the setting that you would use for your observational study, why you are interested in this study and what you hope to learn. (2) Explain whether you would be an acknowledged or unacknowledged observer and why. (3) Describe and explain the types of behavior you would code and the information that would be on your coding sheet even though your coding sheet is attached. (4) Upload your coding sheet as an attachment (in Word for Windows or a .rtf file) to your post – use the one in the book as an example, but make up something that is entirely your own.
How would you like us to help you with this assignment?
Hypothetical Observational Study Background:
For my observational study, I would choose a school classroom setting, specifically a fourth-grade classroom, as the setting for my study. I am interested in this study to gain insights into the students' behavior and interactions during classroom activities. The purpose of this study is to observe and analyze the classroom dynamics, classroom management strategies, student engagement, and overall learning environment. By examining these aspects, I hope to learn more about effective teaching practices and identify areas for improvement.
Acknowledged or Unacknowledged Observer:
In this study, I would be an unacknowledged observer. This means that I would not disclose my role as an observer to the teacher or the students. The reason for being an unacknowledged observer is to minimize the potential observer effect. By not revealing my presence, I can ensure that the participants are behaving naturally and not altering their behavior due to being aware of being observed. This approach allows for more authentic data collection.
Types of Behavior to Code and Coding Sheet Information:
In this study, I would focus on coding various behaviors and interactions within the classroom. Some examples of behaviors I would code include:
1. Student Engagement: Measure the level of student attention and participation during different activities.
2. Teacher Instruction: Code the types of instructional strategies employed by the teacher.
3. Classroom Management: Observe how the teacher manages student behavior and maintains a positive learning environment.
4. Peer Interactions: Evaluate how students interact with each other, such as cooperation, competition, or support.
The coding sheet, which is attached as a Word document, would include columns for the following information:
1. Time: Record the time at which each behavior or interaction occurs.
2. Student ID: Assign a unique identifier to each student for easy tracking.
3. Behavior/Interaction Code: Assign a code or category for each observed behavior or interaction.
4. Duration: Record the length of time for each behavior or interaction.
5. Environmental Factors: Note any environmental factors that may influence the observed behaviors, such as noise levels or classroom seating arrangement.
6. Additional Notes: Leave space to jot down any additional notes or observations that may be relevant for analysis.
[Please note that as an AI, I am unable to upload attachments or access external files. Please refer to the actual platform or consult the necessary resources mentioned for the attachment.]