Chapter 12: Observation

Test your understanding of each chapter by taking the quiz below. Click anywhere on the question to reveal the answer. Good luck!

1. Choose the most appropriate statement. Observations used in research are an example of

  1. A methodological approach
  2. A quantitative data collection method
  3. A qualitative data collection method
  4. A method of collecting data

Ans: D

2.  Which of the following is a key difference between observations used for research and observations used as part of the professional practice of staff in an early childhood setting?

  1. They are designed to gather data to help answer a research question
  2. The observations can form the basis of discussions about practice
  3. They are undertaken by researchers who will share their findings beyond the setting within which the research has taken place
  4. Potentially all of the above

Ans: D

3. Which of the following is not an example of a structured observation?

  1. Time sample
  2. Checklist
  3. Naturalistic observation
  4. Event sample

Ans: C

4. An observer as participant in an early years setting means that

  1. The researcher observes activity every 20 minutes, jotting down notes
  2. The researcher spends time in the setting and joins in the activities taking place, observing the activity as it unfolds
  3. The researcher is employed as a full member of the team but does not reveal that they are undertaking research which is conducted covertly
  4. The researcher is not involved in the setting in any way and attends for the sole purpose of conducting observations. The researcher aims to be as unobtrusive as possible

Ans: B

5. Why are naturalistic observations often the choice of researchers using qualitative methodology?

  1. There is strict control of variables
  2. The method is extremely reliable
  3. Children are seen behaving as they would usually
  4. Researchers need not worry so much about ethical issues as children are observed as a normal part of their nursery experience

Ans: C